Neville in spotlight for cup non-event

When the Copa del Rey semi-finals draw was made, nobody would have thought that the second leg at the Mestalla would be a damp squib.

However, Valencia's brutal 7-0 hammering by Barça at the Camp Nou makes tonight's match a write-off and a game that both teams could probably do without. Where the 'Azulgranas' are concerned, because it is another fixture in a long, long season and comes at a time when they would rather be saving their strength to make a definitive move in the title race. 'Los Che' also have their sights firmly set on La Liga, albeit for the opposite reason: they desperately need a win this weekend against Espanyol to stave off fears of being dragged into the relegation battle.

Considering the first-leg scoreline, Luis Enrique has no reason to bring out his big guns and will definitely be resting many of his first-choice stars. The Catalan giants are already thinking ahead to their next two league encounters, at home to Celta on Sunday and away in Gijón next Wednesday, winning both of which would open up a six- and seven-point lead respectively over Atlético and Real Madrid at the top of the table. After that, the Champions League tie against Arsenal looms large.

Valencia will also field an almost unrecognisable line-up, with under-fire coach Gary Neville having drafted several B-team players into the fold to ensure none of his key men picks up an injury ahead of the Espanyol crunch match.