Espanyol midfielder Oscar Serrano has been one of the revelations of 2004-5 and with his side riding high in La Liga, he is not afraid of facing unbeaten Barcelona.

Serrano has taken his chance to impress under new coach Miguel Angel Lotina, and his team-mates have also been on top form in defeats of Real Madrid, Real Betis (away) and Malaga.

The 23-year-old, therefore, believes they are capable of causing another upset against their city rivals, who are the league-leaders.

"At the moment the way we are playing we can beat any rival be it Barcelona or anyone," said Serrano.

"We respect all our opponents but our objective is to continue improving and if possible to win our third consecutive home game.

"Barca is a great team with some of the best players in the league but we can win and we will go out convinced that we are going to do so."

Espanyol's away form has been less impressive, though, and Serrano feels their own defeats by less modest teams shows that any result is possible in La Liga.

"No game is easy and that can be seen by looking at our record, we beat Real Madrid and then lost against Getafe and Albacete.

"It is a strong competition but Espanyol believes in its abilities and we know we can beat Barca, no team is invincible."

Serrano, a late-comer to the first team, has made the left-midfield slot his own this season and though he admits his fitness is beginning to flag since his breakthrough, he has a particular scoreline in mind.

"Although I am tired no one can tell because I can maintain this level," he said.

"It has been difficult for me here and I thought that at my age I had missed my chance but now I must concentrate on staying where I am and consolidating my position.

"I know that it's not going to be easy and for that reason I cannot afford to relax.

"Everything so far has been special for me but the biggest moment was playing in my debut against Deportivo in Montjuic," he added.

"Still I remember how I felt and the goose pimples. Against Real Madrid it was also special but the first match had the biggest impact especially having come from playing a season in the Segunda B.

"The game against Barca is something different and you can sense the importance with all the build up and hype around it.

"Now to win by two goals to zero, with one for Raul Tamudo and the other for me would be fantastic."

Espanyol face a Barcelona side ravaged by injuries with seven players unavailable to coach Frank Rijkaard.

The latest to be ruled out are Ludovic Giuly and Gerard Lopez, who will be out of action for up to two weeks. They join Thiago Motta, Gabri Garcia, Jose Edmilson, Sylvinho and Albert Jorquera on the sidelines.