Barcelona boss Xavi has decisions to make when it comes to his starting side for Sunday's Barcelona derby with Catalan rivals Espanyol.

Having made his debut for the club off the bench against Atletico Madrid, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is pushing for a spot in the starting side.

However, the performance of Adama Traore, Ferran Torres and Gavi as the front three against Atletico could mean that Aubameyang has to accept a spot on the bench once again.

Dani Alves was sent off in the 4-2 victory over Diego Simeone's side so will miss this match through suspension, which could open the door for Sergino Dest to start.

Dest for Alves might be the only change from the side that started against the reigning Spanish champions, with the Catalan giants still missing a number of first-team players.

Samuel Umtiti, Ansu Fati, Sergi Roberto and Alejandro Balde remain on the sidelines through injury, while Clement Lenglet, Memphis Depay and Eric Garcia are fitness doubts for the away team.

Ousmane Dembele is again expected to be in the squad, having returned against Atletico last time out, but the France international is now down the pecking order due to his contract situation at the club.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Dest, Araujo, Pique, Alba; F de Jong, Busquets, Pedri; Traore, Torres, Gavi

Written by
Matt Law