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Tough derby to end decisive fortnight for Barca

Xinhua, April 24, 2015 Adjust font size:

FC Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has virtually all of his players available as his side reaches the end of what could be the decisive fortnight of their campaign.

Only Thomas Vermaelen, who has not played all season is sidelined as Barcelona prepare to cross town to face neighbors Espanyol on Saturday afternoon in what promises once more to be a feisty city derby.

It has been a tough fortnight for Barca, but so far the league leaders have passed with flying colors, making it into the semi-finals of the Champions League with a 5-1 aggregate win over Paris Saint Germain, as well as beating Valencia 2-0 in the BBVA Primera Liga to remain two points ahead of Real Madrid at the top of the table.

Although Barca were lucky to beat Valencia, they will take consolation in taking three points from one of their toughest games in what remains of the season and if they are able to win in Cornella, the finish line will start to come into view.

The ease of Barca' s win against PSG meant Luis Enrique was able to rest key players in the second half with Andres Iniesta, who enjoyed perhaps his best 45 minutes of the campaign, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez taken off well before the final whistle.

That should assure the trip start on Saturday along with goalkeeper, Claudio Bravo, while it is hard to imagine the coach resting either Leo Messi or Neymar.

Jeremy Mathieu, who didn' t play on Tuesday will also start in central defense with the doubt over whether Javier Mascherano will push forward into central midfield to replace Ivan Rakitic, or drop down to the bench.

Both the French defender and Suarez are one booking away from suspension, although if they should see a yellow card on Saturday that would only mean them missing the theoretically straightforward home game against Getafe next week.

Espanyol have little to play for but after what has been an overall successful season for Sergio Gonzalez' s side they will look to end their campaign on a high note by denting their neighbors' title bid. Endi