Venue: Power8 Stadium, Barcelona
Date: 01/13/2016
Kick-off: 8:00 PM GMT / 03:00 PM EST
Television coverage: LaLigaTVCOPA (UK), beIN Sports USA, beIN Sports en Español, beIN SPORTS CONNECT U.S.A. (USA)
Online Streaming: fuboTV (USA), Sky Go (UK)
Match
Formation – 4-3-3
Goalkeeper
Marc Andre ter-Stegen will once again be taking up his station in goal for Barcelona during the Copa Del Rey encounter against Espanyol and the German will be relaxed with the knowledge that he will have to be beaten at least thrice in order for his side to lose.
Nonetheless, ter-Stegen will be determined to keep a clean sheet in order to put pressure on regular number one Claudio Bravo and he most certainly will not be complacent during the clash.
Defence
There should be a major reshuffle to the Barcelona lineup which started against Granada last time out. The likes of Aleix Vidal, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba are all expected to be handed a rest and Adriano, Marc Bartra and Jeremy Mathieu are expected to replace them in the starting lineup.
The backline already have a three goal lead to protect heading into the clash and they do not have much pressure on their shoulders.
Midfield
In midfield, Arda Turan is likely to continue as manager Luis Enrique wants the Turkish international to get used to the Barcelona rhythm.
Alongside him, young Sergi Roberto should be handed a chance to impress once again while Andres Iniesta could replace Ivan Rakitic in the starting lineup after having been awarded a rest against Granada last time out.
Attack
Luis Suarez is unavailable for the clash due to suspension while Enrique may well use the clash to hand star man Lionel Messi some well deserved rest.
As a result, Munir and Sandro Ramirez will be handed a rare opportunity to start while Neymar will be the senior striker leading the line for Barcelona.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): ter Stegen; Adriano, Bartra, Vermaelen, Mathieu; Arda Turan, Sergi Roberto, Iniesta; Munir, Neymar, Sandro
