Ernesto Valverde expects an intense battle in the derby against Espanyol as Barcelona wait to see if Luis Suarez will be fit to feature on Saturday.
The La Liga leaders make the short trip to their neighbours looking to become only the second visiting team after Girona to triumph at the RCDE Stadium this season.
Espanyol sit seventh in the table - just three points off fourth-placed Deportivo Alaves - under the guidance of head coach Rubi, who has made a positive impression since his arrival from Huesca in June.
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"The distance of points does not count," Valverde told the media.