Espanyol vs. Barcelona: Team News, Preview, Live Stream, TV Info
Barcelona travel across town for the second time in 11 days to near-neighbours Espanyol. If the Blaugrana weren't aware of the type of game they were in for before Game 1 of three, they certainly are now.
Both previous matches between the sides since the turn of the year have been wars of attrition with the Periquitos doing their level best to upset Barca's smooth transitional pass and move style.
Constantin Galca hasn't won any friends at Barca for the way in which his side have gone about their work, but it enabled Espanyol to take a point in the league game, which might be of more relevance to them come the end of the season.
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Luis Enrique's biggest decision is whether to rest players or not, and he noted in his pre-match press conference via FCBarcelona.com that:
"We will play to win, independently of the result in the first leg. We'll play like it's the only game.
I plan the game the same way I did the rest of the games against Espanyol recently. They'll have to risk more.
[...] Our idea is to try to play at the best level possible. To do damage to the opponent in every situation of the game.
[...] Rotations? It's a busy schedule, that's obvious. It's very intense, I'm considering all options.
"
A three-goal advantage from the first leg should be more than enough to see Barca home, but an early goal for the hosts could put the cat among the pigeons if the Blaugrana have a second string on show.
Moreover, given the way in which Espanyol have approached both games, there is an inherent risk of injury should Galca send his troops out with the same edict.
A demoralising La Liga defeat to Eibar last time out won't have given the hosts confidence approaching this one, and with Hernan Perez and Pape Diop missing, it makes their task all the harder.
Clearly Espanyol need to find another level if they want to stop the holders from progressing into the next round.
Date: Wednesday, January 13
Time: 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET
Venue: Cornella El Prat, Barcelona, Spain
TV Info: Not available in UK or US
Live Stream: LaLigaTVCopa YouTube channel (pay-per-view)
Form Lines
Predicted Formations
Espanyol don't really have a choice with their formation. The hosts have to go for it from the beginning because making up a three-goal deficit against the champions and current cup holders is no easy task.
An expected 4-2-3-1 formation will again suit the Blaugrana, but Constantin Galca needs to ensure his players close the gaps down much quicker than previously.
Although Barca had the lions share of possession in the league game, Espanyol were far more effective in that game at ensuring their opponents could not find rhythm to their passing game. That's something Barca normally thrive on.
Goalkeeper Pau has been excellent in both matches played between the sides despite shipping four goals last time.
However, his card has already been marked after his disgraceful stamp on Lionel Messi was replayed time and again post-match.
It isn't often the Argentinian loses his cool, but it's perfectly understandable when the deed came to light.
That said, Messi must not be drawn into another conflict and let his feet do the talking.
If he and Neymar can author an early goal or two, then they'll be withdrawn at half-time as there's little chance of Espanyol coming back from that. Scoring three at home is a big ask for the Periquitos in any event; any more and a win would go down as one of the best in their history.
Javi Lopez, Enzo Roco, Victor Alvarez and Raillo will make life as difficult as possible again for Barca's attackers, and if the game begins to run away from the hosts, none of the four will waste the opportunity to let Barca feel their presence.
Munir El-Haddadi gets another chance to shine in the absence of the suspended Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan was a victim of the referee's report, citing a tunnel fracas Suarez orchestrated that saw the authorities ban him, per BBC Sport.
Pape Diop's needless red card in the first leg sees him suspended and Jose Canas taking his place. The defensive midfielder has only played 11 games for Espanyol, per WhoScored.com, and his rustiness could well hand the advantage to Sergi Roberto—the youngster replacing captain Andres Iniesta in this one.
Joan Jordan also has his hands full with Arda Turan. The Turkish international looks like he's played for the Blaugrana all of his professional life, such has been the ease with which he has managed to settle in.
Where the hosts could get some joy is through their three-man attacking midfield.
Marco Asensio has shown himself to be a young player of the highest quality, and if Aleix Vidal is a little too quick to support the attack, the Real Madrid loanee will exploit the space in behind.
Salva Sevilla is a different type of midfielder, but no less he's effective and with Jeremy Mathieu lacking confidence at this juncture, Barca's left-hand side could be their weakest link.
Both full-backs certainly need to be covered by their central defenders, Marc Bartra and Thomas Vermaelen, when required.
Javier Mascherano gets a chance to play in his natural defensive midfield role, and his battle with Gerard Moreno will likely be one of the match highlights.
Felipe Caicedo has a perfect opportunity to make himself a hero in these parts against a, with respect, reserve central defensive pairing.
The big front man still has to beat Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the Barca goal, however. He's already managed it once, but can lightning strike twice?
Player to Watch
Felipe Caciedo has bullied his way through Barca's defence in the last two games between the sides.
Espanyol's opener in the first leg of this tie came via the centre-forward, and he'll be putting his hefty frame about again in this one.
Marc Bartra has yet to convince the technical staff, and so this game gives him the perfect opportunity to showcase his defensive skills.
He'll have his work cut out, because Caicedo is the trickiest of customers. What he lacks in subtlety and skill, he more than makes up for in work rate and application.
Chasing lost causes is part of his resume, and he won't give Bartra or Vermaelen a moment's peace.
His natural game is all about physical strength and power, but he may have to rein it in a little here. The officials will be paying particular attention to who is employing the darker arts in this one, given what's happened over the last couple of weeks.
Two red cards and yellows aplenty indicate this could be another almighty El Derbi battle, and we can be assured Caicedo will aim to play a full part.
Key Battle
Sergi Roberto continues to impress in this—his breakout season.
No matter where Luis Enrique has stationed the youngster, Roberto has come up trumps, proving that enough of a run in a team gives and builds confidence—something he continues to do with aplomb.
In place of Iniesta, Roberto will be up against Canas—a player who hasn't really had the rub of the green for Espanyol this season.
He gets his chance, thanks to Diop's suspension after the midfielder's silly first-leg red card.
Low on games and confidence, Canas needs a big performance to stake a claim for a more permanent residency.
He'll need to be at his best because Roberto certainly is and can be a key element in another positive outcome for the Blaugrana.
His penetrative runs and balls in behind can hurt the hosts, and it will be interesting to see how quickly Roberto settles into the groove out wide on the left.
Odds
Espanyol win 10-1
Barcelona win 6-17
Draw 5-1
Pre-match odds courtesy of Oddschecker.
