Eder Sarabia’s first match‑day squad is now official. Espanyol will host Deportivo Antonio Hidalgo at 16:15, entering the game three points clear.
Barred from the bench by a carry‑over ban, Sarabia watches from the sidelines while interim coach Sergio García tweaks five positions from the 0‑1 victory at La Cerámica.
Pere Milla makes his first start—will his impact lift Espanyol into the top half?
With Roger Hinojo suspended, Quilindschy Hartman must start. Sarabia opts for Pol Lozano, Alex Calatrava, Tyrhys Dolan and gives Pere Milla his first start of the season, leaving out Vanja Drkusic, Rafa Bauza, Javi Hernández and Bryan Zaragoza.
Espanyol’s line‑up likely shifts to a 3‑5‑2: Fortuño; Omar El Hilali, Cabrera, Hartman; Alejandro Santiago, Calatrava, Pol Lozano, Edu Expósito, Dolan; Pere Milla and Roberto Fernández, who returns after national team call‑up by Luis de la Fuente. For my money, this formation gives them the best chance to press high.
Deportivo will field: Leo Román; Altimira, Loureiro, Giménez, Quagliata; Amatucci, Mario Soriano; Mella, Luismi Cruz, Yeremay and Bil Nsongo.