Hercules CF vs Almeria preview - Botella banking on win

Posted Sunday, March 06, 2011 by PA

Hercules president Valentin Botella is confident his club can strike a significant blow in their fight to avoid the drop this weekend when they host fellow strugglers Almeria.

Promoted Hercules have slumped to 17th spot, one point above the relegation zone, after a run of six defeats and just one win in their last eight games.

Despite that poor form though, Botella believes they will be breathing a little easier after the weekend having secured a three-point haul against rock-bottom Almeria.

"This game is crucial. I'm giving this match the same importance as last season's game against Rayo (Vallecano)," said Botella, referring to the penultimate game of last year's successful promotion battle when Hercules win 2-1 at home thanks to a last-minute goal.

Hercules finished the campaign in the second of the three promotion places but level on 71 points with Real Betis, who missed out.

"After Monday we will be more comfortable and calm because we are going to beat Almeria. I think we have the team, and they know how important it is for this city to be in the Primera Division," Botella said in AS.

"They are going to make us happy by keeping us in the Primera Division."

Almeria are four points behind Hercules and the positions of safety after taking one point from their two matches this week.

On Monday they lost 3-1 to regional rivals Malaga in a match that saw them finish with nine men and have coach Jose Luis Oltra also sent off.

Almeria then drew 1-1 with Racing Santander on Thursday, fighting back from a half-time deficit.