Barcelona will be searching for their seventh consecutive win in all competitions when they host Espanyol in Derbi Barceloni, while los Periquitos are also in good spirits after back to back triumphs over Levante and Deportivo Alaves.

The Catalans have been pretty impressive most of the time this season, but defeats to Real Madrid and Celta Vigo could end up costing them dearly.

With los Blancos in red-hot form of late, Barcelona have been unable to return to the top of the standings despite playing some good football over the last few weeks.

While securing their place in the Champions League knockout stages, the Catalans eased off to the next round of Copa del Rey by beating Huesca on the road.

Meanwhile, Barcelona defeated Almeria and Sevilla in the league before they needed a last-gasp goal from Sergio Busquets to see off in-form Valencia.

The Catalans go into the Espanyol derby high on confidence and it is hardly surprising they are just 1.36 (4/11) for a half-time/full-time win.

Andres Iniesta marked his return with a goal against Huesca and he is again in contention for starting places, with Thomas Vermaelen the only unavailable player at the moment.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Bravo – Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba – Rakitic, Busquets, Xavi – Messi, Suarez, Neymar.

Espanyol have experienced all sorts of problems this season and the team have yet to leave the bottom half of the standings.

Los Periquitos did fairly well in home games, taking 12 points from seven fixtures, but their dismal away form is a major cause for concern.

Espanyol are one of just three sides in La Liga that have yet to win on the road, and they have so far mustered just two draws in six games.

And with trip to Camp Nou next, chances are their disappointing run on the travels is not going to end any time soon.

Everyone at the club was delighted to see Hector Moreno back in action for the first time this season, but the Mexican is highly unlikely to face Barcelona.

There have been more good news for coach Sergio Gonzalez seeing as how Salva Sevilla and Cristhian Stuani have both recovered from illness.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Casilla – Arbilla, Colotto, Bertrand, Fuentes – Vazquez, Sanchez, Canas, Salva Sevilla – Caicedo, Garcia.