Espanyol v Barcelona - Preview and possible lineups

TEAM NEWS: 

Espanyol:

Having lost only one of their last six matches in all competitions, the home side will back themselves to run their city rivals close when they meet on Saturday. 

In addition, while Espanyol have failed to hit too many goals this season, only 17 in 14 league matches, they also have one of the best defensive records in the league. Therefore Barcelona will have to be at their very best to beat the hosts this weekend. 

Given that La Liga has been the most unpredictable for years, Espanyol's good defensive record has held them in good stead in the table; they sit just three points off the top four, and just seven off visiting league leaders Barcelona.

With regards to possible absentees for this Catalan derby clash; manager Rubi will continue to be without Naldo and Sergio Garcia. Aside from this, he will have a full compliment of players to choose from.

Barcelona:

Ernesto Valverde's side sit top of the table going into this clash, but have been far from their best at the start of the season, having already drawn four and lost two matches in their 14 opening fixtures. Nonetheless, with rivals faltering,  Barcelona still occupy top spot. 

The 'Blaugrana' took care of proceedings in midweek; with as many as six La Masia graduates easily handling a win over Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey, yet the manager is sure to recall his first team for this derby encounter away from home.

Barcelona can put a full strength side out in the battle for Catalunya on Saturday; as the midweek visit of Tottenham in the Champions League bears no importance to their future European exploits, as they have already qualified for the next round of that competition. 

In terms of casualties for this clash; Sergi Roberto, Umtiti and Rafinha remain sidelined, but the manager can welcome back Vidal, Luis Suarez and Arthur after all three returned to full training this week. 

PRE-MATCH MUSINGS...

Rubi:

"We started to talk about the derby from Wednesday onwards, so have had three days to prepare. Our players want to be the first ones in history to beat Barcelona in the league at the RCD Stadium."

"If we play like we did before the Getafe and Girona matches then it'll be a very even game. I don't know if it'll be the most even derby ever, but there's no doubt that we'll have a chance."

Ernesto Valverde on title race and derby day:

"It's an evenly matched derby, because there is only a small gap between the two teams. "

"This season Espanyol are a side who come at you and who have the ball. They have kept their quick players and want to take the initiative more."

"Rubi's sides always want to play the ball out. They are always good at set pieces and press a lot."

FORM GUIDE:

DID YOU KNOW?

Espanyol have not beaten Barcelona at home since January 2007.

Honours were even last time the sides faced off; the match ended in a 1-1 draw at Cornellà-El Prat.

Barcelona are unbeaten in La Liga action against their Catalan rivals since 2009, when they suffered a shock defeat to Espanyol at the Nou Camp.

POSSIBLE LINEUPS:

Espanyol: Diego Lopez; Javi Lopez, Duarte, Hermoso, Vila; Perez, Darder, David Lopez, Granero, Piatti; Iglesias

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Arthur, Busquets, Rakitic; Coutinho, Suarez, Messi