Deportivo La Coruna vs Espanyol preview - Bergantinos confident despite form

Deportivo La Coruna midfielder Alex Bergantinos believes his side are better prepared to avoid relegation than they were in the first half of the season - despite failing to win any of their last five league games.

The Galicians host Espanyol on Sunday and Bergantinos hopes his side can bring an end to their winless streak to boost their confidence and also move clear of the relegation zone.

"We are aware that the key moment of the season has arrived and we are better prepared to tackle it then at the start of the season, we have nearly everyone available and we are playing better than in the first half of the season," he told a press conference.

However, Bergantinos does not believe the game with Sergio Gonzalez's side will prove decisive.

"If we don't win, things will stay the same because it's so tight, even though we will be left with one less bullet to achieve our objectives," he said.

"But winning would be very good for our team spirit and for our fans, to strengthen the union between us and them."

Espanyol are eight league places and eight points above Deportivo but are without a win in their last three matches in all competitions. They also have the third worst record in the league away from home, picking up just eight points on the road.

Their recent winless streak began with defeat to Athletic Club in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey but Gonzalez insists his side have now recovered from that setback.

The coach told reporters: "I think we have gotten over the elimination. It was a big blow but we have to keep going. The team is prepared for what's left to come."

Former Deportivo player Gonzalez will be without his captain and talisman Sergio Garcia for his return to Riazor as the striker has a hamstring strain, while midfielder Abraham Gonzalez is also out after receiving an elbow to the face in last week's 0-0 draw with Atletico Madrid.

Depor will be without the injured pair of Helder Postiga and Cezary Wilk.