Zaragoza eye Cup

Having eliminated both Barcelona and Real Madrid in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively, Zaragoza go into the game as slight favourites. Espanyol boss Miguel Angel Lotina has been keen to capitalise on this, downplaying his side's chances of lifting the trophy for the fourth time in their history:

"If this final were being played last year, we would certainly start as favourites as we were in a superior league position. But this year it's Zaragoza [who are favourites] due to their league position and for having eliminated Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid."

Espanyol will count on former count on former Barcelona and Lazio playmaker Ivan de la Peña to provide inspiration, while Raul Tamudo is likely to start in attack.

Zaragoza meanwhile, is looking for its third Copa del Rey success in just six years, and its seventh overall. Two seasons ago they upset the odds to overcome Real Madrid 3-2, and in 2001 they beat Celta Vigo 3-1 in the final.

Coach Victor Muñoz will count the Brazilian Ewerthon and Argentinean Diego Milito to supply the goals up front, while Diego's brother Gabriel will start in central defence defence.

Muñoz has been angered by Lotina's complaints in the build up to the game about Espanyol having to play a league game last Sunday, claiming that the Espanyol coach always portrays himself as "a victim" and is "always moaning".

Regarding tactics, Muñoz was quite clear on how he would set his stall out:

"How the game turns out all depends on the approach of Espanyol. We have nothing to hide and we will go out to win."

Both sets of fans have been warned to set off for the fixture in plenty of time, as they will both be travelling down the A-2 motorway to Madrid at a time when the holiday traffic is at its worst.