Barcelona vs. Espanyol: Team News, Preview, Live Stream, TV Info

Rob BlanchetteDec 16, 2016

Barcelona welcome Catalan neighbours Espanyol to the Camp Nou in La Liga on Sunday as the Blaugrana attempt to close the gap on leaders Real Madrid.

Los Blancos are in Japan to compete in the Club World Cup tournament, allowing Luis Enrique's side to steal a march on the Galacticos.

The Budgerigars are always difficult opposition in the derby match, and they arrive at Barca just a few points off the European qualification places.

Preview

With Madrid out of the country, focus will shift to the east coast as the Barcelonian derby takes centre stage.

Historically, there is plenty of ill feeling between the clubs dating back generations as the two teams represented opposite ends of the original demographics of the region.

Barca have laboured in the opening weeks of the season, as Real sprint ahead in the title race, desperate to take the title after an extended period without the Spanish crown.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 11: Felipe Caicedo (R) of RCD Espanyol celebrates with his team mate Gerard Moreno after scoring his team's first goal during the La Liga match between RCD Espanyol and Real Sporting de Gijon at Cornella-El Prat stadium on Dec

David Ramos/Getty Images

Espanyol have struggled to find the net against their neighbours in recent seasons, with the sides a class apart.

However, the visitors are in a rich vein of form, and they will feel they can restrict Barca in their own back yard.

The hosts will be delighted to have secured the services of striker Luis Suarez, signing the Uruguay hitman to a new deal.

Allan Valente of Sky Sports reported the former Liverpool talisman has extended his contract until 2021, reaffirming the presence of the MSN trinity of Lionel Messi, Suarez and Neymar for the future.

PAMPLONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 10: Luis Suarez of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the La Liga match between CA Osasuna and FC Barcelona at Sadar stadium on December 10, 2016 in Pamplona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Image

David Ramos/Getty Images

According to Valente, Suarez commented: "I feel complete happiness because I am where I want to be. It's now official. I never put any obstacles in the way of a renewal. I will never lose my ambition and enthusiasm for winning trophies and scoring goals."

The news is a shot in the arm for Barca, and the player's contribution has once again been influential this season.

Suarez has scored 12 goals and provided five assists in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League this season, according to WhoScored.com.

Barca announced they have included a €200 million buyout clause in the deal, per Valente, making the striker unobtainable to the majority of clubs in world football.

Andres Iniesta expressed how he loves playing in the local derby, per the club's official website (h/t Barcelona's official Twitter feed):

Espanyol are undefeated in their last six in all competitions, per Sky Sports, including a draw against Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey.

A shock win against Barca could see Espanyol draw level with sixth-placed Atleti, setting the club up for a successful campaign in the new year.

Clean sheets have been a regular occurrence for Quique Sanchez Flores' team this season, but at the home of Barcelona, goalless encounters are a rare occurrence.

Suarez will want to celebrate his contract extension with his team-mates and home supporters, and a derby victory would be the perfect Christmas present to the Camp Nou faithful.