Copa del Rey Preview: Barcelona (2) - Cultural Leonesa (0)

New Blaugrana Blood

After managing a convincing away win in the first leg, Barcelona's lesser-knowns will be given another chance to shine on Tuesday night and will no doubt be aiming to give coach Pep Guardiola food for thought going into the international break.

Following their 4-2 home win over Mallorca at the weekend, Guardiola said his side can do better. That continued demand for excellence will continue to drive the supremely successful Catalan outfit.

Those who do line up for Barca in this tie may find that a run out here may prove more than just an opportunity to impress the coach. With the dreaded international break almost upon us, any injuries to key first team personnel may provide one or two fringe players with the chance to feature more regularly in the first team. Those who shine may be called upon sooner than they think.

Fantasy Football

The visitors travel in hope rather than expectation. They must defend with real resolve if they are to trouble the treble champions at all in this tie. An early goal may give them faint hope of causing a miraculous upset but in reality Barca's win in the first leg makes such a comeback pure fantasy.

They managed a win at the weekend but still languish at the wrong end of the Segunda B table. This tie at Camp Nou will provide the Cultural players with an unforgettable experience - one they must simply aim to enjoy.

FORM GUIDE

Barcelona

Nov 7 Barcelona 4-2 Mallorca (La Liga)

Nov 4 Rubin Kazan 1-1 Barcelona (UEFA Champions League)

Oct 31 Osasuna 1-1 Barcelona (La Liga)

Oct 28 Cultural Leonesa 0-2 Barcelona (Copa del Rey)

Oct 25 Barcelona 6-1 Real Zaragoza (La Liga)

Cultural Leonesa

Nov 8 Cultural Leonesa 3-1 Barakaldo (Segunda Liga B)

Nov 2 Eibar 2-0 Cultural Leonesa (Segunda Liga B)

Oct 29 Cultural Leonesa 0-2 Barcelona (Copa del Rey)

Oct 25 Cultural Leonesa 1-1 CD Lugo (Segunda Liga B)

Oct 19 SD Compestela 0-1 Cultural Leonesa (Segunda Liga B)


TEAM NEWS

After resting Xavi and Lionel Messi from the start against Mallorca, Guardiola is likely to rest a number of his top names while giving youth another chance for this tie.

PREDICTION

With the tie already looking more than comfortable for Barca, it's a case of how many they add to the two goal advantage. If they are in the mood it could be a serious thumping.

Barcelona 4-0 Cultural Leonesa

Paul Madden, Goal.com