Madrid, Feb 12 (IANS) FC Barcelona travel across town to visit neighbours Espanyol in the city derby on Sunday afternoon. The game is vital for Barcelona if they want to build momentum following their 4-2 win at home to Atletico Madrid last weekend. That game saw Barca produce their best display since Xavi Hernandez replaced Ronald Koeman as first-team coach, and also was the first time the club’s January signings all played.
One of those, Dani Alves, won’t be in Cornella after picking up a two-game ban for his red card against Atletico, but Adama Traore should be fit after suffering slight physical problems during the week.
Sergino Dest or Oscar Mingueza will cover at right-back, with Dest likely to get the nod, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could make his first start, either in the middle of the Barca attack or on the right if Xavi decides not to risk Traore, reports Xinhua.
Barca have shown signs of improvement under Xavi, while having struggled for consistency, but now is the time they have to produce good results on a regular basis if they want to assure a Champions League berth next season.
Qualifying for the Champions League is vital for Barca’s economy and with Betis, Atletico Madrid, Villarreal, Real Sociedad and Athletic Club Bilbao all aiming for a top-four finish, nobody can afford to drop points.
Espanyol’s positive return to the top-flight appears to have run out of steam in recent weeks with just four from the last 18 points, although coach Victor Moreno will be boosted by the return of top scorer Raul de Tomas, who was suspended for last Monday’s defeat in Bilbao.
The Spanish international has netted 12 of Espanyol’s 27 league goals this season and will be his side’s main threat on Sunday, although new arrival Tonny Vilhena looks to be a promising signing after impressing last Monday night.
The RCDE stadium has always been a hostile place for Barcelona to visit, but Espanyol have yet to beat their neighbours since moving to the ground in 2009, meaning this is a test for both sides.
–IANS
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