How much does form matter in a derby? How about talent? We’re about to find out. Barcelona are perhaps the most in form team in the world, and almost certainly one of the most talented. Espanyol are in solid form themselves, but they’re hardly in the same league as their cross-town rivals when it comes to raw ability. Still, they’re fielding a strong team that is unlikely to get bulldozed. Here are your lineups.
Barcelona Vs. Espanyol: Barcelona Derby Pre-Match Primer
Barcelona lineup (4-3-3): Valdes / Abidal, Pique, Puyol, Alves / Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta / Pedro, Messi, Villa
Espanyol Lineup (4-5-1): Kameni / Ruiz, Didac, Forlin, Chica / Baena, Marquez, Verdu, Callejon, Garcia / Osvaldo
Barcelona’s strategy should be obvious, seeing as it almost never changes. Even in a derby, they’re not going to alter their tactics or style for a team of Espanyol’s stature. For Espanyol, the strategy should be pretty obvious too. Crowd the midfield and counter attack quickly. The attack minded players in the midfield, Callejon and Garcia, will be very important if Espanyol are going to create scoring opportunities. They won’t see the ball much, so they need to make the most of their chances. One unfortunate omission from the lineup, at least in my opinion, is Jesus Datolo who I think could have been dangerous in helping to execute counter attacks.
Game on from Barcelona with the legendary Phil Schoen and Ray Hudson on the call on GolTV. Tune in!
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