La Liga: Hercules Aiming for the Double

Hercules vs Barcelona

It was really a surprise earlier in the season that recently promoted minnows. Hercules managed to beat Barcelona at the Camp Nou. It has been the biggest shock this season so far, and if Hercules managed to complete a double over Barcelona, then it would be the single biggest achievement in Spanish history this century.

Barcelona were defeated earlier, 2-0, but Pep Guardiola has been keen to stress the importance of laying down the objective of revenge. Ironically, it seems to be the opposite of what Hercules coach Esteban Vigo has said about Barcelona.

He has said that Barca are a tough team to beat. However, he is confident that he can repeat the same result this time around.

Hercules are currently in the 12th position, and Vigo believes that beating Barcelona will give his side a fantastic chance to get into the top half of the table. Daniel Alves was a major doubt for the game, but he has passed the fitness tests successfully and will be playing.

Carlos Puyol, however, is not so lucky, and will not take part in the game. Hercules have been boosted by the return of Royston Drenthe to the team. Abraham Paz’s participation seems highly doubtful though.

Deportivo La Coruna vs Sevilla

Sevilla face Deportivo La Coruna at Riazor hoping to end their poor form. Sevilla recently signed Gary Medel and Ivan Rakitic. However, they both are not expected to be available for the match, having not completed the signing in time.

Sevilla have won just three games out of their last nine, and it was a miserable run that took the run for the worst in the midweek defeat at the hands of Real Madrid. Sevilla's dreams of a Champions League place this season look to be in tatters after the club remains a massive 11 points behind Valencia in the fourth position.

Deportivo La Coruna, meanwhile, are doing no better themselves after yet another disappointing season. Even though Miguel Ángel Lotina might have been comforted by the 13th position in the La Liga table, they are just four points ahead of Almeria in the relegation zone.

The return of Federico Fazio and Andres Palop is expected to boost Sevilla massively. They were hugely missed in the defeat against Real Madrid, and Gregorio Manzano will be delighted to have them back. Deportivo La Coruna, meanwhile, are still missing Andres Guardado for the game.

Joe - livescoredaily.com - live scores