League leaders Barcelona are vastly superior to hosts Espanyol, particularly after their 10-game winning streak in La Liga. They also top the table with 46 points, four points ahead of nearest rivals Real Madrid.
However, Espanyol is also in good form, having won its last five league matches and frequently causing upsets when hosting Barca. Espanyol is currently in fifth place in the standings.
Second-placed Real Madrid are also in good form, having won two consecutive league matches. Real Madrid, with 42 points, will host sixth-placed Real Betis, who returned to winning ways in their last match.
Real's city rivals, Atletico Madrid, sit in third place with 37 points, and this weekend they host bottom-placed Real Sociedad. Atletico are likely to take home three points from Sociedad, who have gone four games without a win.
