ESPANYOL
Casilla
López • Colotto • Rodríguez • Capdevila
Forlín • Sánchez
Simão • Verdú • Mubarak
García
BARCELONA
Valdés
Alves • Piqué • Mascherano • Alba
Xavi • Busquets • Iniesta
Pedro • Fàbregas • Sánchez
Espanyol duo Hector Moreno and Christian Stuani are both carrying thigh injuries and are doubtful to feature in the 158th Catalan derby against Barcelona.
Midfielder Sergio Tejera is suspended but defenders Joan Capdevila and Joan Forlin both return after serving bans.
Meanwhile, Espanyol announced young defender Victor Alvarez successfully underwent surgery on Thursday to correct a minor heart defect.
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi will not be available as he is yet to recover from a hamstring injury.
Defenders Dani Alves (thigh) and Adriano (back) are expected to be available after missing the win over Real Valladolid, but Carles Puyol (knee) remains sidelined.
DID YOU KNOW?
Espanyol are on a four-match winless run in La Liga, losing three.
Los Periquitos have lost four of their last five meetings with Barcelona.
Simao made 69 appearances for Barca between 1999 and 2001, scoring four goals.
Barcelona have only won two of their last eight away matches in all competitions (W2, D3, L3).
The Catalan giants must win their last two games to equal Real Madrid's record tally of 100 points from last season.
Barca's last away defeat to Espanyol came in January 2007.
Prediction
The 158th Catalan derby has nothing riding on it but local pride, with Barcelona having wrapped up the Liga title and Espanyol having secured their top-flight status for next season. The visitors are in a decent run of form having won their last three Liga matches, but the Cornella-El Prat can be an intimidating place to visit and the hosts will be eager for some end-of-season bragging rights.
Editor's Prediction
Espanyol 1-1 Barcelona
