First Team: Jonatas, Milan Smiljanic, Valdo, Rufete, Tamudo

The Espanyol board are expecting the team to achieve a respectable mid table finish. Despite only having a poultry 3.9 million to spend (due to debts of 13.6m), they have a very good squad that should be well capable of achieving this goal.

They have a decent ‘keeper, in Kameni, who is ably deputised for by good young prospects, in Becerra and Casilla. The defensive unit is very strong and well balanced. The central pairing of Torrejon and Jarque should be able to form a combative duo and Serran is also a reasonable back up player. On the flanks, Lacruz and the talented Chica will provide good quality on the right and similarly, Clemente Rodriguez and Moha on the left.

In midfield, Espanyol have a good mix of defensive and attack minded players, in Jonatas, De la Pena and Smiljanic, who should provide a solid base from which to build attacks. On the right side, Valdo and Rufete should be able to provide a decent supply line to the forwards, as both are good crossers of the ball. However, the one problem area would be on the left. With only an average player, like Riera, being competent in this position, it would be a good idea to bring in an extra body to cover this area.

Despite having an excellent striker, in the shape of the experienced Tamudo, attack is Espanyol’s weakest area. Although the likes of Jonathan and Luis Garcia are reasonable players, they will struggle to be prolific in such a competitive division. It may be an idea to bring in one or two reinforcements in this area, as the only current alternative, Coro, is a poor player.

Espanyol should be well equipped to achieve a mid table finish. They have some strong players in their squad and if the small transfer budget can be put to good use and some quality players brought in, they will have a good shot at qualifying for Europe.