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Deportivo and Getafe's improvement of form

Both of these teams are trying to avoid relegation, which doubles the importance of this game

RCD Espanyol

Deportivo have finally and for no apparent reason ended their losing streak two rounds earlier to win a total of 4 points since. They first played and destroyed Valencia home, and then went to Barcelona to play a draw with Espanyol. That away game could have just as easily been their second consecutive win, but they were very happy with a point on the pitch that has proved deadly for away teams so many times.

- Getafe are our direct rival in the battle to avoid relegation and the points from this game are that much more important. When playing home, we need to take initiative and win. Getafe are a dangerous team with fast players that know how to put pressure on the opponent. I believe we can win if we play well though - Luisinho said.

Deportivo's team captain Manuel Pablo Garcia, who's been injured since the start of the season, has been expected to get back on the team for his first game. But he will need more time for recovery after getting injured again. Defensive midfielder Juan Dominguez is back though. Winger Lucas Perez might miss the game with an injury, but he's not a first team player and won't be missed greatly.

Getafe got only three points in the last two rounds, but the impression is that they did better than the point-record suggests. They first scored a late goal to beat Real Sociedad in San Sebastian, and they lost to Atletico home by a goal. Getafe did the second half of the Atletico game much better and missed the chance to play at least a draw with the mighty opponent as they completely outplayed the Madrid-based club.

- I think we did great against Atletico and I feel noting but pride despite the defeat. All I ask of them is to keep this approach and display the same game in the matches to come. If we manage to keep our game at that level, I have no doubt we'll be recording wins. We should always be as motivated as we were the last round. We now face a team that need the points and that proved how tough they can be home - we need the kind of performance we had last weekend - coach Cosim Contra said.

The Romanian coach in charge at Getafe can count on two players who recovered from their respective injuries today (Michel Herrer and Alvaro Arrroy). He does, however, need to make up for a few significant players, especially when it comes to defense. His line-up center back Ruano is suspended for four games after being sent off the last round. Forward Vazquez and defender Valere remain injured.