Lionel Messi
Barcelona are six points behind Real Madrid in La Liga Getty Images

Barcelona will look to secure a sizeable first-leg advantage when they face Segunda B side Hercules in their Copa del Rey opener at the Estadio Jose Rico Perez on 30 November.

Where to watch

Kick-off is set for 9pm GMT. The game is not scheduled for live broadcast in the UK.

Overview

Hercules have only won two of their last seven league matches and are sixth in their Segunda B group. The Alicante-based club have won three of their past four meetings with Barcelona.

Lionel Messi's second-half equaliser was not enough as Barcelona were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Sociedad at Anoeta on 27 November. The Catalan giants face arch-rivals Real Madrid in the first El Clasico of the season at the weekend and are likely to rest several of their first-team players against Hercules.

Captain Andres Iniesta is fit again after recovering from a knee injury but is unlikely to be risked in Alicante.

What managers say

Luis Tevenet: "There is little to lose and much to gain. We are going to face players who have been world champions, who are internationals. We know that the chances of winning are slim. But it is a game that we will enjoy because it is a historic occasion."

Luis Enrique: "The objective is none other than to win the Copa again as we have done for the last two seasons. We are returning to a competition in which we have great memories and to win it again, first of all we need to beat Hercules. It is obvious that there is a difference in level, but we have seen lots of times how teams from lower divisions have knocked out those from the first division."

Form guide

  • Hercules: LLWDW
  • Last result: Alcoyano 3-0 Hercules
  • Barcelona (all competitions): DWDWL
  • Last result: Real Sociedad 1-1 Barcelona

Betting odds (Betfair)

  • Hercules win: 12/1
  • Draw: 11/2
  • Barcelona win: 2/9

Team news

Hercules possible XI: Buigues; Dalmau, Fernando, Bueso, Rojas, Pena; Chechu, Minano, Juanma, Gaspar; Berrocal

Barcelona possible XI: Cillessen; Nili, Marlon, Borja, Digne; Alena, D Suarez, Rafinha; Cardona, Alcacer, Turan

Barcelona