Hercules vs Gijon preview - Hercules and Gijon playing for pride

Posted Saturday, May 21, 2011 by PA

Hercules and Sporting Gijon meet in something of a dead rubber in the last round of Primera Division matches this season

The Alicante-based side have already been relegated back to the Segunda Division, while the Asturians secured survival last weekend.

Hercules can finish no higher or lower than 19th place in a season that had promised so much more, especially after the shock 2-0 win at Barcelona early on in the campaign.

But the second half of the season has been miserable for the promoted side and Saturday's match is likely to be the last in club colours for striker David Trezeguet and youngster Kiko Femenia.

Meanwhile, high-profile duo Royston Drenthe and Nelson Haedo Valdez, who are also set to leave the club in the summer, are both doubtful for the clash at the Rico Perez.

Coach Miroslav Djukic, whose future is also unclear, wants to sign off with a win.

"We can't stay up, but it would be nice if we could finish the season with three points in front of the home fans," he said.

Sporting made sure of their top flight status with a 2-1 win at home to Racing Santander last weekend, but coach Manuel Preciado admits it has been a tough campaign.

"We have suffered this season, but salvation has come thanks to our extraordinary second half of the campaign," he said.

Sporting hope to persuade influential midfielder Diego Castro to extend his time at the club amid speculation the player may seek a move this summer.