"We can beat Barça"

Frank Rijkaard's Barcelona are unbeaten in their last 20 games, and are on a club record-breaking run of 14 straight wins. During that time, Barcelona have outscored their opponents by 42 goals to 6, and they will be hoping to retain the aura of near invincibility that surrounded them before the Christmas break.

Meanwhile, Espanyol club President Daniel Sanchez Llibre delivered an optimistic pre-Christmas message to the fans, declaring:

"We can beat Barcelona. At least, we certainly won't lose. They have a top-class team, but I have complete confidence in our players; and Barcelona has to lose eventually.'

Many were expecting Barcelona to struggle in their past few games, particularly since the long-term injury to Xavi. However, Andres Iniesta's assured performances have meant he has hardly been missed. Mark van Bommel will be available for selection after an ankle injury and with Motta and Deco fit again, the battle for midfield places will be tough.

Confidence in the Espanyol camp will be high after an impressive 2-1 away victory over Deportivo la Coruna before the Christmas break, a win which President Llibre says will boost the attendance at the Montjuic for the next few games.

The midweek win in the Copa del Rey at Getafe further underlined Espanyol's good form. Goalkeeper Carlos Kameni is doubtful for the fixture due to a thigh injury. Otherwise, Lotina has a full squad available to him for Saturday night's clash.