Eder Sarabia leaves first clue: "It will be one of the surprises"

New former Espanyol manager Eder Sarabia will miss the Deportivo match due to a suspension but hinted Gabriel Moscardo will be a surprise inclusion in his debut.

Eder Sarabia held his first press conference as RCD, former Espanyol manager ahead of Saturday's 16:15 home fixture against Deportivo, saying he approaches the role "with great enthusiasm" despite being unable to sit on the bench due to a carryover suspension from last season.

The Bilbao-born coach confirmed he knows who will start in goal but declined to name the goalkeeper, saying both Marko Dmitrovic and Àngel Fortuño are ready. He highlighted Gabriel Moscardo, who had limited playing time under previous manager Manolo González, as "one of the surprises" of his early tenure. Sarabia also praised midfielder Roberto, an international for Spain, and stressed the importance of defensive shape in ball progression.

Espanyol are without Kike and Roger (suspension), while Urko is a minor doubt. Sarabia said the team's morale is high following a recent victory and that both sides will look to dominate possession in what he expects to be a tough encounter.