Copa del Rey Quarterfinals: Favorites to advance to the next round

#3 Espanyol vs Barcelona

Barcelona ended their Anoeta Curse in an eerie atmosphere

In-form league leaders Barcelona travel to the RCDE stadium to face local rivals Espanyol. Barcelona, unarguably, are the clear favourites to come out on top but a hostile environment at the home of Espanyol could play a part. They will also be without summer signing Ousmane Dembele. Andres Iniesta's muscle strain adds him to the extensive list of sidelined Barcelona players.

The only unbeaten team in Europe's Top 5 leagues, Barcelona are eyeing to be The Invincibles this season under new manager Ernesto Valverde and are set to mount a herculean challenge in front of the Espanyol defence. Ruthless on the attack, dominating in the midfield and stubborn at the back, everything seems to be going perfectly well for Ernesto Valverde's men.

Espanyol are currently 14th position in the Spanish league table with 24 points under their belt. Barcelona will be keen to continue their unbeaten streak of 29 matches past their trip to Espanyol.

Last Meeting: Barcelona 5 - 0 Espanyol [Spanish League, 10 September 2017]

Manager Head to Head: Quique Flores 3 - 5 Ernesto Valverde

Author's Take: FC Barcelona are clear favourites to win the Copa del Rey crown and defeating Espanyol wouldn't be too demanding for Valverde's men.