Hercules vs Deportivo La Coruna preview - Calatayud seeks repeat performance

Hercules goalkeeper Juan Calatayud has urged his side to draw on last season's successful promotion campaign as they look to avoid an immediate return to the Segunda Division.

Heading into the home clash with Deportivo La Coruna, Hercules are 19th in the standings with 30 points, three adrift of Real Zaragoza and safety.

With only six games to go and just eight points from their last 14 matches, things are looking gloomy for the Alicante-based club - but then they were during last season's second division promotion battle as well.

Twelve months ago the club's hopes of returning to the Primera Division for the first time since 1997 appeared ruined following a run of six defeats and just one win in nine matches heading into their final seven games.

However, the team picked up four victories and three draws in that run-in to finish in second spot on 71 points - level with fourth-placed Real Betis, who missed out on promotion.

"Last year we were also in a critical moment and with everyone pulling together we achieved our objective," said Calatayud.

"We already know the path and we must do the same, although it's the players who have the most responsibility to do this.

"We are fighting to achieve our objective and, although it's different, in the end it brings the same thing - to be in the Primera Division next season."

Depor are also battling to stay up, but two wins and a draw in their last three games has left the Galician side in a far healthier position than Hercules.

They go into this weekend's matches in 13th, five points above the relegation zone.

Coach Miguel Angel Lotina is remaining cautious though, saying: "That last victory (2-0 win over Racing Santander) brought us some joy, but we are not relaxed because we know we aren't safe yet."