Barcelona V Espanyol - Preview and possible lineups
We take a look ahead to Thursday's Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg clash between Barcelona and Espanyol at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona: Ernesto Valverde has included new signings Philippe Coutinho and Yerry Mina in the squad for the Catalan derby as Barca look to overturn their first leg defeat. Meanwhile, midfielder Andres Iniesta and striker Paco Alcacer are both back fit and could be involved from the start. Utility man Javier Mascherano will play no part after agreeing a deal to join CSL side Hebei China Fortune.
Espanyol: Pablo Piatti and Jose Manuel Jurado are both facing a race against time to be fit for this one. Neither player featured in the first leg but their return would be a huge boost for Quique Sanchez Flores and Co. as they look to dump their Catalan neighbours out of the Copa del Rey.
The thoughts of Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde:
“This derby has special motivation because we have to come from behind. The cup is a competition that excites us.
“I don’t think Espanyol will sit back but I don’t think they will come out on the attack from the start as they ahead in the tie. They are an organised side and they will wait for their chance."
The thoughts of Espanyol boss Quique Sanchez Flores:
"You know what the tie means, what awaits us. Tomorrow begins a new game altogether, different. I do not think the result of the first leg gives us to think about what can happen. It will be a long, intense match, there will be a lot of emotion at stake and we want to give a good response.
"We have to concentrate on what we can do. You have to think about the small details that can bring us closer to the goal, we must be effective.
"We must show we are a solid team, a certain calm within a high emotional state. I would like the team to have a job, to know how to choose their options well, it gives me peace of mind that things can go well."
Form:
Possible lineups:
Barcelona: Cillessen, Digne, Umtiti, Pique, Sergi Roberto, Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta, Messi, Suarez, Coutinho.
Espanyol: Lopez, Navarro, Naldo, Duarte, Aaron, Victor Sanchez, Javi Fuego, Darder, Granero, Piatti, Moreno.