The substitution of the striker Raúl de Tomás is the main surprise in the line-ups for this Sunday’s match between Espanyol and Osasuna, while on the Pamplona side the absences from the eleven of regular players such as Nacho Vidal, Lucas Torró or Chimy Ávila.
Vicente Moreno, coach of Espanyol, has introduced two changes regarding the match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu (4-0): Wu Lei and Manu Morlanes take the place of Óscar Melendo and De Tomásauthor of 15 goals so far this season.
Espanyol, then, will start with Diego López, Aleix Vidal, Calero, Cabrera, Sergi Gómez; Morlanes, Yangel Herrera; Vilhena, Sergi Darder, Puado; and WuLei. De Tomás will await his opportunity from the bench at the RCDE Stadium.
On behalf of Osasuna, Jagoba Arrasate has made three modifications to his eleven: Jonás Ramalho, Kike Barja and Javi Martínez will start to the detriment of Nacho Vidal, Lucas Torró and Chimy Ávila. The first two had been starters in 31 and 30 of the previous 34 days.
Osasuna will form with Herrera; Ramalho, David Garcia, Aridane, Juan Cruz, Manu Sanchez; Moncayola, Brasanac, Kike Barja, Javi Martínez; and Budimir, top scorer with eight goals.