Expect Espanyol to line up in their usual 4-4-2, a shape that gives them solidity in the middle and width out wide. Marko Dmitrovic starts in goal, with a back four of Roger Hinojo, Unai Núñez, Clemens Riedel and Omar El Hilali — that's a defence with La Liga nous. The double pivot will screen the back line, allowing the wide midfielders to push on and support the two strikers. Mirandés, on the other hand, are expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1, a formation that can morph into a low block when needed. They'll look to stay compact, frustrate Espanyol, and hit on the break through their attacking midfielder and lone striker. But here's the thing: Espanyol's full-backs will get forward, and with Núñez's composure at the back, they can afford to. The battle will be won in the middle of the park — if Espanyol's midfielders can knife through Mirandés' lines, the visitors' shape will crack. Set pieces could be a factor too; Espanyol have height in defence, and Mirandés might concede cheap free-kicks under pressure.