Barcelona head into the derby in the best shape possible

It’s amazing what a win can do for the confidence isn’t it?

A few short games ago, and culers would likely have been approaching the match against Espanyol with a little trepidation.

After all, no one really wants to lose against their cross-city rivals, even if the possibility of an upset happening generally appears remote.

Ahead of the fixture Los Periquitos aren’t in the greatest form. In fact, they haven’t won in any competition this year.

Whereas Barca are starting to get their act together under Xavi.

It will be a while yet before the Blaugranes can play consistently at the level they showed against Atletico Madrid, and the team are still a little rough around the edges, but the green shoots are there.