There's a lot to play for this evening. Barcelona can move three points clear at the top of La Liga with a win, after Sevilla dropped points at Valencia earlier on.
For Espanyol, it's an opportunity to return to form and record a win over their fierce rivals. They began the season excellently, but have lost three games in a row and fallen off the pace at the top.
Expect a raucous atmosphere and a high intensity game.
Recent history suggests Espanyol have their work cut out tonight. They will be hopeful, though, given their strong home record this season, of avoiding defeat.
Barcelona will be familiar with Espanyol's danger men, too. Striker Borja Iglesias has scored eight goals in 14 games this season, while young midfielder Marc Roca earned a recent call-up to the Spain under-21 squad.
They have strength in depth on the bench too: the likes of Piatti, Granero and Leo Baptistao. This won't be an easy task for Barcelona.
As expected, Barcelona are moving the ball around patiently in the early stages. Espanyol look organised and in good shape, though, and there haven't been any chances of note for either side yet.
Nice linkup play on the edge of the box between Messi and Suarez nearly sees the former burst through on goal. But a wall of blue and white shirts stand in his way.
Dembele intercepts a loose pass and drives forward. He picks out Messi and the Argentine looks to find some space to shoot. He's crowded out again, though.
A first chance of the game for the hosts. Perez breaks forward and slips a through ball into the path of Iglesias. But Espanyol's top scorer can only drag his shot wide.
Espanyol's aggressive pressing is proving effective. Barcelona are struggling to play out from the back without giving the ball away, and the home fans are responding to the intensity in their side's game. It's been a promising start for them.
Crucial defending from Lopez. Semedo finds space on the right of Espanyol's box and looks to pick out a teammate. His cross is cut out well and cleared for a corner.
Superb from Lionel Messi! After a good spell of possession for the visitors, the Argentine weaves his way towards goal and wins a free kick on the edge of the box. He picks himself up, lines up the set piece and curls it into the top corner. Lopez was at full stretch, but couldn't get anywhere near it. Barcelona lead.
Another fantastically taken Barcelona goal. Messi beats two players on the edge of the box, goes down under a challenge but picks himself up again and finds Dembele with an inch perfect pass. The Frenchman cuts onto his right foot and curls a delightful shot into the far corner.
This has been an impressive first half an hour from Ernesto Valverde's side. They've restricted Espanyol well and look a constant threat when they go forward. They're on course for another victory in the Catalan derby.
The match will be shown live on Eleven Sports 1 from 7:40pm and on their La Liga TV channel from kick-off. Fans can also watch the match on Eleven Sports through iOS mobile and tablet apps as well as on Android mobiles.
Highlights will be shown at 10:30pm on Eleven Sports’ La Liga TV channel.
Player to watch
Ousmane Dembele: It was yet another impressive outing for the Frenchman against Villarreal. He was far and away the most potent threat for his side, particularly in the first half when he assisted Gerard Pique for the opening goal. Espanyol will no doubt look to put more behind the ball in this derby, but Dembele’s pace could unpick such a tactic.
Form guide
Espanyol: LWLLLW
Barcelona: DLDWWW
Odds
Espanyol to win: 19/4
Barcelona to win: 13/25
Draw: 10/3
Prediction
Espanyol 1-4 Barcelona
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