Espanyol out to defy history

By Andy Hall

Tuesday's Catalan derby between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol provides the prelude to a busy midweek programme in the Primera Division - and a fierce contest is expected at the Camp Nou.

Belletti setback
For league leaders Barcelona, Saturday's 1-1 draw at bottom club CD Numancia cost them more than two points. Juliano Belletti and Ludovic Giuly both suffered back injuries in the match, although the French playmaker is expected to be declared fit, leaving only defender Belletti sidelined.

Espanyol boost
There should be relief, too, for sixth-placed Espanyol. Top scorer Maxi Rodríguez, centre-back Daniel Jarque and left-back David García are all likely to recover from knocks to play, even if the visitors do miss the services of Martín Posse and Mauricio Pochettino.

Eto'o v Kameni
The match is notable for bringing together two of the shining stars of the 2004/05 campaign - Cameroonian internationals Samuel Eto'o and Carlos Kaméni. Barça striker Eto'o is the division's leading scorer with 18 goals, while Kaméni, Espanyol's 21-year-old goalkeeper, has also been one of the league's most brilliant performers despite a few recent hiccups.

Old boys' reunion
Adding extra spice, Espanyol's Iván de la Peña and Dani García come up against their former club. Striker Dani said: "The Catalan derby is unlike any other game - the players' honour and prestige are at stake. I know that coming away from Camp Nou with three points is very difficult for any team. But I am excited at the prospect of playing my old team - just taking in the atmosphere on the streets is enough to fire you up."

23 years of hurt
The last time Espanyol won on their annual trip across town was 28 March 1982, when the 'Periquitos' prevailed 3-1 - the last of their eight successes in this fixture. Barça, by contrast, have notched 56 victories while there have been six draws.