Malaga vs Rayo Vallecano preview - Santa Cruz over Roque spell

Posted Saturday, November 03, 2012 by PA

Malaga striker Roque Santa Cruz is looking to carry his form from their Copa Del Rey win over Cacereno into this weekend's visit of Rayo Vallecano.

The Paraguayan was on target twice as Malaga all but secured their passage into the last 16 of the Copa del Rey with a 4-2 win over their third tier opposition on Wednesday night.

The on-loan Manchester City striker has only played a bit part since joining Los Boquerones in the summer, scoring just the once in the Primera Division, but he is now hoping for an extended run in the side.

He told the club's website: "It is important for my confidence to play and pick up rhythm.

"The goals also bring confidence but we looked at it more as a complete exercise from the team. I would like to score more in the league and I hope to continue the run that started with the cup game."

Jeremy Toulalan returned to training on Friday but is not expected to start his first match for a month.

Nacho Monreal also remains out with a back problem but Joaquin and Francisco Portillo should return after being rested from the starting line-up against Espanyol last weekend.

Rayo boss Paco Jemez meanwhile believes his side must be brave and attack the hosts if they are to take anything from the game but is also looking forward to an easier schedule after having faced Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and now Malaga in the first 10 games.

"We have to face this game against Malaga like the rest," Jemez said.

"They are one of the best teams in the league and after facing them we have, in theory, played all the biggest teams.

"It is a pleasure for me to be able to play and compete there and I hope my players treat it the same way.

"If we want to win Rayo must show that we are better because I don't think they will gift anything to us or be thinking about another game in the Champions League on Tuesday.

"If we achieve something it will be thanks to our own merits and the fact we are a team that plays good football."

The visitors will be without first-choice goalkeeper Ruben Martinez as he is on-loan from Malaga and can't play against his parent club, while Jordi Amat is also suspended.