Getafe vs Cordoba preview - Valera wary of Cordoba threat

Getafe defender Juan Valera expects a stern test when he and his team-mates lock horns with bottom-side Cordoba at the Nuevo Arcangel stadium.

The Madrid-based outfit lost 3-2 at Malaga last time out in what was Pablo Franco's first game in charge since replacing Quique Sanchez Flores at the helm.

Sanchez Flores resigned as coach earlier this month after less than two months in charge.

The defeat in Malaga was Getafe's second loss in their last three league games and they sit just two points clear of the drop zone.

"We are heading into an important phase of the season where every game is vital," Valera told Spanish newspaper Marca. "We have prepared in the best possible way for what will be a very difficult match in Cordoba.

"We expect a battle.

"We know what we are playing for and so does Cordoba.

"Cordoba are at the foot of the standings and they will be desperate to get a win.

"For them this is a vital game but it's also an important game for us.

"A win would really be a boost in confidence for us while it would pile on further misery for Cordoba."

Getafe have not won on the road since beating Deportivo La Coruna on October 31 and have collected one point since away from home.

Cordoba, meanwhile, have won just three times this season and lie seven points adrift of safety.

The Andalusian outfit fell 1-0 at Espanyol last weekend to concede their sixth straight loss.

Cordoba are winless since January 12 and have taken one point since.

However, Cordoba coach Miroslav Djukic believes there is still time for his side to turn things around, starting on Monday.

"There are still many finals left to play and we cannot give up," Djukic said. "We need to keep fighting.

"My players handed a good performance at Espanyol and this is something to build on."

Lack of goalscoring has been Cordoba's main weakness with Djukic's side having struck just two goals in their last five games.