arda turan
Arda Turan could finally make his debut for Barcelona against Espanyol Getty

Catalan rivals Barcelona and Espanyol face each other for the second time in the space of five days in the first leg of the Copa del Rey round of 16 at the Nou Camp.

Where to watch

Kick-off is set for 7.30pm GMT. The game is not scheduled for live broadcast in the UK.

Overview

Barcelona played out an ill-tempered goalless draw with Espanyol at the Cornella-El Prat on 2 January, with Luis Enrique's side unhappy with the hosts' overly physical style of play. The result left the defending Spanish champions two points adrift of Atletico Madrid at the top of the La Liga table, although they have a game in hand.

Versatile Barca midfielder Sergi Roberto is expected to sit out the Copa del Rey clash after picking up a hamstring injury at the weekend. Summer signings Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal could make their debuts for Barca following the expiry of the club's one-year transfer ban.

Espanyol, who last lifted the Copa del Rey in 2006, have finished on the losing side on their last four visits to the Nou Camp. The Catalan side are on a six-match winless run away from home in all competitions, losing five.

Defender Anaitz Arbilla and midfielder Jose Canas are both sidelined with foot injuries for the visitors, while Victor Sanchez (hamstring) is also out.

What managers say

Luis Enrique: "It's always difficult against a team who plays on the limit in defence. It was the game we expected here. [Espanyol] did very well, showed the intensity we expected. We found it hard to get into the game, to start making chances."

Constantin Galca: "A great point against a great team, the best in the world. Great defensive work, very intense, a willingness to track back, but we need to have more possession, create more chances; we're lacking that. I'm satisfied with the great defensive work, but we need to work on our attack. We had chances, but we need to create more."

Form guide

  • Barcelona (all competitions): DWWWD
  • Last result: Espanyol 0-0 Barcelona
  • Espanyol (all competitions): DLWWL
  • Last result: Espanyol 0-0 Barcelona

Betting odds (888sport)

  • Barcelona win: 1/10
  • Draw: 8
  • Espanyol: 23

Team news

Barcelona possible XI: Bravo; Alves, Vermaelen, Mathieu, Adriano; Rakitic, Busquets, Turan; Messi, Suarez, Neymar

Espanyol possible XI: P Lopez; J Lopez, Gonzalez, Roco, Alvarez; Jordan, Diop; Perez, Asensio, Burgui; Caicedo

Barcelona FC