Barcelona v Espanyol - Preview and possible lineups

What is the Catalan Super Cup?

The Catalan Super Cup was created back in 2014 by the Catalan Football Federation and sees the two Catalan sides that finished highest the previous season in La Liga face off in a one-off final. Barca won the first edition of the trophy back in 2014, winning 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw with Wednesday's oppoenents Espanyol, though the 'Budgerigars' got their revenge in 2016 as they edged to a 1-0 victory.

Barcelona: 

Ernesto Valverde could give a number of young players a chance to shine after calling up 12 players from Barca B for the clash. The squad list includes the likes of youngster Marcus McGuane, signed from Arsenal in January and the highly-rated Carles Aleña. A number of first-team  players have also been included, with Lucas Digne, Jasper Cillessen, Denis Suarez, Ousmane Dembele, Paco Alcacer, Andre Gomes, Aleix Vidal and Yerry Mina all likely to play a part.

 

6 March 2018

Espanyol: The visitors have named a strong-looking side for the game, with the likes of Pablo Piatti, Esteban Granero and Sergi Darder all included.

 

6 March 2018

Espanyol's Oscar Melendo on the Catalan Super Cup: 

"We are going with great enthusiasm. It is an opportunity for those of us who do not play habitually. We hope to win against Barcelona and we want to do it in the best way.

" (The tournament) is a great opportunity for young people. I made my debut with the first team in the last edition of the Supercopa and it was very good for me to gain confidence and to be summoned with the first team".

Possible lineups:

Barcelona: Cillessen; Vidal, Mina, Costas, Palencia; McGuane, D.Suarez, A.Gomes, Aleña; Alcacer, Dembele.

Espanyol: Pau; Sanchéz, Naldo, Hermoso, Didac; Melendo, Granero, Darder, Roca, Piatti; Cristo.