Big Barcelona derby - can't wait!

5 things that won't happen and 5 things that might in tonight's Barcelona derby:

1. The match WON'T be snowed off. It's a lovely Winter's day in Barcelona where once again our friend Mr. Mediterranean is keeping Mr. Snowman away.

2. The Barça fans WON'T outsing the Pericos simply because a) Espanyol have only sold tickets to Espanyol members and travel agents and b) they have one of the best footballing choirs in Spanish football.

3. My friends Mike Roberts and Simmo WON'T forget the atmosphere at what is fast becoming one of the best grounds to see live football. Similar to my favourite PL stadium White Hart Lane much as it hurts to admit it.

4. The Espanyol fans WON'T forget to applaud Andres Iniesta because of the homage paid to the late great Dani Jarque after scoring the World Cup winning goal. Andres and the former Espanyol captain and possible future partner for Gerard Pique in the Spain team, Dani Jarque, were close friends after playing for Spain at U15, U19, U19 and U21 levels.

5. The Barça players WON'T lack motivation in what has once again become a real derby. Espanyol are now more an irritating younger brother than some pesty distant cousin.

6. Espanyol MIGHT get a result. They have won 7 out of 7 at home in the league this season conceding just 2 goals, albeit to Getafe, Almeria, Osasuna, Levante, Malaga, Hercules and Sporting Gijon. The players know this is their cup final and if anything the manager Pochettino may have to calm them down before they go onto the pitch.

7. FC Barcelona MIGHT just thrash Espanyol. Their record in their last 6 games is 26 goals for and zero against with Valdes just 56 minutes from a personal best of 570 minutes without letting a goal. Many would say that over the last month we have seen the very best FCB of the Peppy Guardiola era. The precision passing and pressure we sometimes take for granted has been speeded up and they are probably the sexiest team in the world.

8. We MIGHT get to see one of the games of the season and certainly I would advise everyone to grab a seat, open a San Miguel and at least watch the first 20 minutes or so.

9. We MIGHT, well lets's face it we will almost certainly, see a Messi determined to not let up in his personal race with CR7 for the pichichi.

10. We MIGHT all have a Happy Christmas!

Prediction:

Espanyol 1-3 FC Barcelona

p.s. The banner says to Barça "you are not a rival, you are the enemy!"