Copa del Rey action returns for the round of 32 fixtures this week, with Espanyol traveling to Ponferrada on Tuesday to take on second division side Ponferradina.The hosts overcame fellow Segunda Division side Ibiza in their second-round fixture in December, recording a 2-1 win at home. They have played a draw and suffered a loss in their two outings since. This will be the first game of 2022 for La Ponfe.Espanyol secured a comeback 2-1 win over fourth-tier side Cristo Atletico in December to set a date against the hosts. They concluded 2021 with a 2-1 win over Valencia, with this being their first game of the year.RFEF@rfef🚨 OFICIAL | Estos son los horarios de los partidos de dieciseisavos de final de la #CopaDelRey.📆 Todos los encuentros de esta ronda, que se disputarán los días 4, 5 y 6 de enero; serán retransmitidos en directo por televisión#LaCopaMola2:02 AM · Dec 18, 2021344133🚨 OFICIAL | Estos son los horarios de los partidos de dieciseisavos de final de la #CopaDelRey.📆 Todos los encuentros de esta ronda, que se disputarán los días 4, 5 y 6 de enero; serán retransmitidos en directo por televisión#LaCopaMola https://t.co/pip3r3crY2Ponferradina vs Espanyol Head-to-HeadThere have been just two meetings between the two sides so far, with both encounters coming in the Segunda Division last season. Espanyol have dominated this fixture and have maintained a 100% record against their western rivals.Their last meeting took place at Tuesday's venue in May. The game ended in a comprehensive 4-1 win for Periquitos. Ponferradina form guide (all competitions): L-D-W-D-WEspanyol form guide (all competitions): W-L-W-W-LPonferradina vs Espanyol Team NewsPonferradina The hosts might have a depleted squad to choose from in this fixture. As many as six first-team players have tested positive for COVID-19 over the last week and remain doubtful for the cup tie. Adri Castellano has been ruled out with a muscular problem. Here are the rest of the absentees for the hosts: Amir Abedzadeh - COVID-19Agus Medina - COVID-19Kuki Zalazar - COVID-19Saúl Crespo - COVID-19Ríos Reina - COVID-19José Amo - COVID-19Jose Rios - Undisclosed injuryThey picked up three red cards in the 2-0 loss to Oviedo and, while Edu Espiau is eligible to play here, José Manuel Arias Copete and José Naranjo could face severe punishment from the RFEF.Injured: Jose RiosDoubtful: Amir Abedzadeh, Agus Medina, Kuki Zalazar, Saúl Crespo, Ríos Reina, José Amo, José Manuel Arias Copete, José NaranjoSuspended: NoneEspanyol David Lopez is a long-term absentee with a knee injury for the visitors. A few players have tested positive for COVID-19 while others have recovered and resumed training. Here are the players who face late fitness tests ahead of the game: Joan García - COVID-19Fernando Calero - COVID-19Fran Mérida - COVID-19Yangel Herrera - COVID-19RCD Espanyol de Barcelona@RCDEspanyol✔️ Primera sessió de l’any! #RCDE5:52 AM · Jan 2, 20223178✔️ Primera sessió de l’any! #RCDE https://t.co/Y2yUmep4FXInjured: David LopezDoubtful: Joan García, Fernando Calero, Fran Mérida, Yangel HerreraSuspended: NonePonferradina vs Espanyol Predicted XIPonferradina Predicted XI (4-4-2): Lucho; Paris Alejandro Adot Barandiarán, Alex Pașcanu, Iván Rodríguez, Paul Anton; Daniel Ojeda, Cristian Rodríguez, Erik Morán, Kike Saverio; Sergi Enrich, Edu EspiauEspanyol Predicted XI (4-4-2): Diego Lopez; Aleix Vidal, Sergi Gomez, Leandro Cabrera, Adria Pedrosa; Nico Melamed, Yangel Herrera, Keidi Bare, Javi Puado; Oscar Melendo, Raul de TomasPonferradina vs Espanyol PredictionPonferradina struggled in their previous Segunda Division fixture on account of missing some of their key players. That will again be the case against Espanyol and they are expected to struggle here.Espanyol recorded their first La Liga away win of the 2021-22 campaign in their previous outing and are the strong favorites here. We expect a narrow win for the Barcelona-based outfit.Prediction: Ponferradina 1-2 Espanyol