What: Spanish La Liga
Who: Deportivo La Coruna vs Sevilla
When: Monday 24th September, 2012, at 20:30 UK time
Where: Riazor, A Coruna, Spain


Desperate For A Win

Following their opening day victory against Osasuna, newly-promoted Deportivo La Coruna have found wins hard to come by, only managing draws so far. Against Sevilla here, they will hope for better luck as they attempt to re-establish themselves amongst La Liga’s top sides following a season in the second division. However, with the Rojiblancos enjoying success after a victory over Real Madrid, Deportivo’s task promises to be a hard one.

Having games versus Real Madrid and Barcelona coming in the next month, midfield legend Juan Carlos Valeron stressed that his team must start racking up points, and must start doing so against Sevilla at the Riazor.

“We are unbeaten and, after a win and three draws, if we win against Sevilla that would be great, but if not, it falls a bit short seeing that we have a complicated schedule and tough games coming. We have to be calm, keep working, go day by day and try to get out the best out of these encounters”, declared the 37-year old.

With only Javier Camunas a doubt for the clash, Deportivo need to take advantage of their fitness fortune and score a win.


Done In Two Minutes

While a Real Madrid backlash was expected against Sevilla last weekend, it was the Andalucians who managed to stun the league champions in the opening minutes of the game, as they held onto an early lead to ensure their second win of the new season. However, winless away from home so far in the league, a tough match awaits them against Deportivo La Coruna.

The win over Real Madrid has hit headlines across Spain, as the 2006 Europa League champions were highly praised for their abilities against Los Merengues. But that needs to be forgottenaccording to midfielder Gary Medel, who has urged his side to focus their attention towards Deportivo now.

“The results are starting to show, Real Madrid are now in the past and we must think about Deportivo, about getting the three points because they are very important for us”, explained the Chile international.

“They are three very important points to give value to our victory against Real Madrid. Also, they are three points potentially won on the road."

Recent form

Deportivo La Coruna:
Valencia 3-3 Deportivo (26/08; La Liga)
Deportivo 1-1 Getafe (01/09; La Liga)
Granada 1-1 Deportivo (16/09; La Liga)

Sevilla:
Granada 1-1 Sevilla (26/08; La Liga)
Rayo Vallecano 0-0 Sevilla (02/09; La Liga)
Sevilla 1-0 Real Madrid (15/09; La Liga)


Key absences

Deportivo La Coruna: Javier Camunas (doubt)

Sevilla: Jose Antonio Reyes; Diego Perotti


Players to watch

Deportivo La Coruna – Carlos Marchena: The ex-Valencia man has been showing his stripes again this season, despite his progressing age. Marchena has shown a high degree of defensive discipline so far in the 2012/13 season and much more is expected from him.

Sevilla – Jesus Navas: The winger remains one of La Liga’s best players. His inclusion in Spain’s Euro 2012-winning squad has lifted his morale after a season where he failed to live up to his reputation. Against Deportivo La Coruna, Navas will have another chance to shine.


Match Prediction

Sevilla are in high spirits going into this one, but are still winless on the road. Deportivo La Coruna meanwhile will be motivated to break their drawing streak, but at this point, both teams are likely to cancel each other out. Deportivo La Coruna 1-1 Sevilla.

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