Zaragoza vs Sporting Gijon preview - Roberto ready for tough tasks

Posted Sunday, November 06, 2011 by PA

Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Roberto believes his team must remain calm ahead of a difficult run of matches.

Zaragoza have lost their past three games to slip to the brink of the Primera Liga relegation zone and their task hardly gets easier in the coming weeks.

After hosting Sporting Gijon at La Romareda on Sunday the Aragon club travel to champions Barcelona before fifth-placed Sevilla visit.

That list of fixtures has put the pressure on Zaragoza to record a win against a Gijon side who, while a point behind their rivals in 17th place, are unbeaten in three.

"It is extremely important for the team mentally to make a good game and get three points," former Spain Under-21 international Roberto said.

"That is something for which we are very capable.

"We have to continue to look only at the next game and not too far ahead. Of course you look at the fixtures and we know Barcelona is next but we must not worry about that.

"We must concentrate on this game and be calm if we are to achieve some peace in the table."

Zaragoza have the worst defensive record in the league having conceded 20 goals - a record that could be worse but for Roberto who has made the second-most saves in the division.

The 25-year-old believes, however, their defensive record is not indicative of their recent performances - they conceded six of their goals to Real Madrid on the opening day - and is confident the statistic will improve.

"We are a team that knows we will have to defend in every game," he said.

"We are aware of our responsibilities and I'm sure that statistic will improve for the better."

Sporting boss Manolo Preciado has told his players to remain focused despite their recent improvement, which has seen them pick up seven points in their past three games.

"We will try to continue our streak, which would be a fourth game with a result," he said.

"The opposition have had problems recently but we must not forget that they are ahead of us in the table. That is something that we will look to change on Sunday."

Sporting will be boosted by the availability of midfielder Nacho Cases although they will make a late decision over the fitness of veteran defender Ivan Hernandez.