The international break is back after what felt like two years instead of two weeks, and Barcelona fans will finally watch the beginning of the Xavi Era. And it seems almost poetic that Xavi’s managerial debut will come in the Barcelona Derby against Espanyol.
After a season in the second division last year, Espanyol came back strong and are having an excellent start to this La Liga campaign. They come into Saturday’s match with the same 17 points as Barcelona and have conceded fewer goals despite playing an extra game, and Espanyol don’t look like having any issues staying in the league and will probably avoid the relegation battle.