Barcelona, Espanyol prepare for derby

Barcelona's poor performance away from home will come under the spotlight once again when they visit city rivals Espanyol this weekend. Barca have been heavily criticised for their lack of success away from the Nou Camp this season, with the team winning just one of their six league matches on their travels.

Barcelona now need to re-focus on domestic matters after their mid-week European adventures.

Local rivals Espanyol are fourth in the Primera Liga standings, just two points behind Barca. They haven't lost any of their last nine matches, winning six.

Frank Rijkaard, Barcelona coach, said, "It is very clear that Espanyol are currently achieving very good results. Also that there is little difference in the number of points both teams have in the table. I think that in a derby such as this there is never a favourite to win because these type of games are very particular."

Espanyol coach Ernesto Valverde is expressing empathy for Barcelona, who will be without Thierry Henry for the clash.

But he also knows Barca have a strong squad with players who can do an excellent job of replacing the absentees.

Ernesto Valverde said, "The fact that Barca have so many players out of competition such as Thierry Henry benefits us. But on the other hands they have many great players that can substitute those injured.

Like Bojan Krkic or maybe Ronaldinho. In any case, the absence of Henry is a very important one for them."

Valverde will be looking for a repeat of last season's scoreline, when his team beat Barcelona 3-1 at home.

Editor:Liu Fang