Espanyol arrives at the Wanda Metropolitano in top form, with a streak of five games in which they have only conceded three goals and have added enough points to seal permanence and to speak quietly about finishing close to the European positions. But not everything is idyllic for Vicente Moreno, who loses Yangel Herrera through suspensiona footballer who had brought balance to the midfield after overcoming his injuries this year.
The loss of Herrera, who has only been able to participate in 14 starting games in LaLiga, can only be covered by two footballers, who have usually been in charge of covering his absences. The one with the most numbers is Óscar Melendo. The youth squad, whose contract ends on June 30 and there has been no progress on his renewal, is used to playing these big games. He already acted in the first round against Atlético or Real Madrid, where he was decisive. With the midfielder, Sergi Darder would be less released. He would accompany Keidi Bare as a holding midfielder.
Melendo has participated in 15 games, the last against Real Sociedad, when the team improved significantly in the second half with his presence. He has not been a starter since February, yes, although his activation is similar to that of Manu Morlanes, who has missed several games. On February 13 against Barcelona, in a 2-2 draw, the player was sent off and was injured. He returned in March, more than a month later against Mallorca, but again, with a pubalgia, he has been in the infirmary. He could reappear this Sunday, a formula that would free Darder as it happens with Herrera.
Throughout the season, and especially the first 10 days of the championship, Vicente Moreno tried other formulas without the Venezuelan. From a change of system (he acted with the 4-4-2 several games) to the entry of Fran Mérida, as happened against Osasuna and Sevilla, matches in which the Blue and Whites did not lower their level, much less. But the Barcelonan accumulates few minutes and also ends his contract on June 30. In your case, there are no options to prolong it.
It does not seem that there are more doubts in the rest of the headlines except for some unforeseen last minute. With Diego Lopez in goal, Óscar Gil, Fernando Calero, Leandro Cabrera and Adrià Pedrosa in defense, and Keidi Bare y Sergi Darder ahead, perhaps the second doubt could come from the attack. Adrián Embarba, Javi Puado and RdT have formed that triplet, with Tonny Vilhena as a supporting actor after losing his tenure. Embarba or Vilhena could be the other change for a Moreno who is not a great lover of surprises