Barcelona defender Daniel Alves expects a tough test against derby rivals Espanyol.

Alves does not expect his side to have it all their own way on Sunday against Espanyol, who sit eighth in the table and went four unbeaten in all competitions before the winter break.

The Brazilian told the Barca website: "The game next Sunday is a difficult one, it's the derby and these types of games are always complicated.

"We'll face the game with ambition. If we play at a high level, they'll have a difficult time too."