Expect Espanyol to line up in their usual 4-2-3-1 — the shape that's become their identity. Marko Dmitrovic starts in goal, protected by a back four of Omar El Hilali, Clemens Riedel, Unai Nunez and Roger Hinojo. The double pivot of Urko Gonzalez de Zarate and Edu Exposito will sit deep, screen the defence, and let the creative trio — Tyrhys Dolan, Javi Hernandez, Alex Calatrava — roam in the half-spaces behind Roberto Fernandez. That's a midfield that can control the tempo and knife through a low block. They'll dominate the ball, and they should.

Levante will likely set up in a 4-3-3, with Ryan in goal and a midfield trio of Rey, Olasagasti and Rekena, with Romero leading the line. It's a shape designed to stay compact, hit on the break, and nick a point. But here's the thing — a 4-3-3 against a 4-2-3-1 at this level? The visitors will spend most of the afternoon chasing shadows. The wide areas are where Espanyol can hurt them. Dolan and Calatrava have the pace and trickery to stretch Levante's back line, and with Roberto Fernandez as the focal point, there's a real threat in the box. Set pieces? Espanyol have the height in Riedel and Nunez. This could get messy for the visitors.