Preview: Barcelona vs. Espanyol

Barcelona will resume their record-breaking Primera Division campaign against local rivals Espanyol as they look to take another step towards regaining the title.

Barca dropped just two points from their opening 17 league games to put them nine points clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid and 16 points clear of Real Madrid.

Espanyol, on the other hand, are embroiled in a relegation scrap having amassed just 15 points from their 17 matches so far, although they are unbeaten in their last four league games.

The hosts will be without Isaac Cuenca, while Cesc Fabregas is unlikely to feature as he continues his recovery from injury.

Espanyol, however, have a full squad to choose from as they look to spring a massive upset on their city rivals, something they haven't done in a competitive match since 2009.

The match will be the first of the year for Lionel Messi, who looks to top his record tally of 91 goals in 2012 this year.

Recent form

Barcelona: WWWWW

Espanyol: LDDDW

Possible lineups

Barcelona: Valdes; Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba; Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta; Pedro, Messi, Sanchez

Espanyol: Lux; Manuel Pablo, Marchena, Aythami, Evaldo; Bruno Gama, Alex Bergantinos, Aguilar, Diogo Salomao; Pizzi, Riki

Sports Mole says: 4-0