Barcelona - Espanyol preview - Espanyol hoping for derby delight - 7M sport

Barcelona - Espanyol preview - Espanyol hoping for derby delight



Posted Saturday, December 06, 2014 by PA

Espanyol goalkeeper Kiko Casilla knows his side will have to focus on whatever weak link they can find in Barcelona's formidable armour in Sunday's Catalan derby at the Nou Camp.

Luis Enrique's men host their city rivals lying second in La Liga, two points adrift of leaders Real Madrid, who can extend their own club-record winning streak in all competitions to 18 games when they host Celta Vigo on Saturday.

Espanyol, who beat Alaves in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday night, have not won at the Nou Camp since February 2009.

Casilla, though, is hopeful Sergio Gonzalez's side can produce the required performance.

"It is, of course, difficult to hurt Barcelona, they are a formidable team and one of the best (in the) world, but all teams have a defect," Casilla said, quoted on the club's official website, www.rcdespanyol.com.

"Although Barcelona have few weaknesses, they must have one and we have to use that to get something positive.

"It is a challenge for us and we will try to do it in the best way possible, we must leave no spaces and do well in defence, which is essential if we are to do something good."

Casilla added: "Winning at the Nou Camp and being a derby, it would be one of the best things that could happen to me.

"Everyone is waiting for this game, and our fans want to do something good."

Lionel Messi, meanwhile, has seen his yellow card for time-wasting against Valencia rescinded by the Spanish football federation after it transpired he had, in fact, been struck on the head by a bottle after celebrating a stoppage-time winner for the visitors.

Barcelona moved a step closer to the last 16 of the Copa del Rey with a midweek 4-0 first-leg win over third division Huesca, when midfielder Andres Iniesta returned from a thigh injury.

Enrique could well have one eye on next week's crucial Champions League showdown against Paris St Germain when deciding on his team set-up for Sunday.

Defender Marc Bartra will be hoping for another chance to impress.

"For the time being, it is a positive season. I am getting plenty of playing time, which is what we all want," the 23-year-old said, quoted on the club's official website, www.fcbarcelona.com.

"I am getting much better tactically, which is good and important."

Bartra maintains Barcelona will be ready for what are set to be two intense clashes at the Nou Camp.

"These are the tests which will make us stronger if we are victorious," he said.



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