Celta Vigo vs Deportivo La Coruna preview - Galician duo looking up

Celta Vigo and Deportiva La Coruna meet in a much-anticipated Galician derby with both teams looking to inch away from the lower region of the Primera Division.

Celta are currently 13th, five places ahead of their opponents, and while there is undoubted anticipation of the derby, both teams need to pick up points after defeats against Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively last time out.

The hosts have an impressive home record of three wins out of four games so far this season with their away form letting them down.

In contrast Deportivo have taken just two points away from home this season.

Celta defender Hugo Mallo admitted to excitement ahead of the game, telling a press conference: "For all the Galicians in our squad it's a special game, so the sooner it comes round the better. This derby is at our ground and I'm sure it will be a great occasion, so we must respond with a victory."

The game will not resemble last week's match at Real, said Mello.

"With all respect to Deportivo they are not Real Madrid and they are not playing at their own ground," he said.

"We went to the Bernabeu with the intention of having the ball but for the first 15 or 20 minutes it looked as if their players were on motorbikes.

"Now we are playing at home and it is us who have to take the initiative."

Deportivo were edged out in a nine-goal thriller against Barcelona last time out and coach Jose Luis Oltra has played down the derby aspect of the game.

He told reporters: "It is just three points.

"It is an opportunity to compete well, do well, improve our performance and to compete and go for the win.

"If you win the derby and and then do not build on it it is not worth anything."