The last game of the year for Espanyol, the first after the World Cup, offers a second chance for Álvaro Fernández, the parakeet goalkeeper. The goalkeeper, removed from ownership by Diego Martínez due to his serious mistakes against Real Sociedad and Espanyol, returns to the eleven three months later, and he does so in a derby against Barça at the Camp Nou.
The goal is not the only novelty of the team that the Galician coach has chosen to face the eternal rival. There will also be Nico Melamed, unusual in the lineups before the break. The Catalan midfielder has only started three times this season, twice in August and the last time in October. His participation has been scarce, but in recent friendlies and in the Cup match against Atlético El Paso he was already one of the best, scoring the winning goal.
The rest of the team are regular pieces for Diego Martínez, with Calero a possible replacement for Keidi Bare in midfield. The defense will be formed by Óscar Gil, Sergi Gómez, Cabrera, Brian Olivan. The midfield will be occupied by Vini Souza, Calero, Darder and Melamed. And above, Braithwaite and Joselu.
On the bench, men who have been very leading players under Diego Martínez, such as Edu Expósito and Puado, as well as Lazo, Aleix Vidal, Simo, Omar, Rubén, Villahermosa and Roger, will wait for their opportunity. Lecomte and Joan García will be the substitute goalkeepers.
