Sat Jan 03 19:00:00 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided ESPN Deportes text:

Headline: Barcelona and Espanyol to Clash in Catalan Derby as LaLiga Resumes

Barcelona, Spain – LaLiga returns from its winter break with a highly anticipated Catalan derby between Espanyol and Barcelona, a crucial match for both teams with implications for the league standings. The match will be held on Saturday, January 3rd at 14:00 hours CDMX | 15:00 hours E.T., Ecuador, Colombia, Perú | 17:00 hours Argentina, Chile, Uruguay.

Barcelona currently sits atop the LaLiga table with 46 points (15 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses), holding a slim four-point lead over rivals Real Madrid. A victory is vital for the Blaugrana to maintain their distance at the top. Before the break, Hansi Flick’s squad secured a 2-0 victory against Villarreal, with goals from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. Midfielder Pedri is expected to return to the lineup after recovering from a recent injury. Lamine Yamal is also available despite missing a training.

Espanyol, currently in fifth place with 33 points (10 wins, 3 draws, 4 losses), are looking to upset their city rivals and climb higher in the standings. Prior to the break, Manolo González’s team defeated Athletic Club Bilbao 2-1, with Carlos Romero Serrano and Pere Milla finding the net.

Projected Lineups:

  • Espanyol: Marko Dmitrovic; Carlos Romero, Leandro Cabrera, Fernando Calero, Omar El Hilali; Urko Gonzalez, Edu Expósito, Pół Lozano; Tyrhys Dolan, Pere Milla, Roberto Fernández.
  • Barcelona: Joan García; Alejandro Balde, Gerard Martín, Pau Cubarsí, Jules Koundé; Eric García, Frenkie de Jong, Marcus Rashford; Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres.

This derby promises to be a thrilling encounter, filled with passion and intensity as both teams fight for bragging rights and valuable league points.

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