Deportivo need a victory today when they entertain Osasuna at home.

Three more points would inevitably imply to close the gap with the

top of the table. Indeed, Depor is now third with 46 points, but

leaders Real Madrid (52) and Valencia (50) are facing each other.


Depor players admit that they will pay special attention to the

game at the Bernabeu Stadium, hoping for a draw there. Or else,

as Scaloni puts it: "I wouldn't like Real Madrid to win".


Yet, they are aware that only a victory at Riazor will bring any

hope of eventually claiming the Liga title. Furthermore, winning

would help to secure qualification for next year's Champions League,

 as fourth and fifth Barcelona (37) and Atletico Madrid (37) are

also facing each other this afternoon. Thus, Depor could increase

the gap with these last mentioned teams.


Fortunately, coach Irureta has most of the squad at his disposal.

He will be including some changes, mainly on defence. Romero and

Scaloni will probably be the fullbacks, while Andrade and Cesar

will play in the centre of the defence. Sergio is back in midfield,

playing alongside Mauro Silva. This means that captain Fran will

once more be on the bench from the start.


Another comeback to the initial line-up is Victor, who will be on

the right wing. Striker Pandiani - recovered from his knee problems

at last - will not be a starter, but he is expected to eventually

play during the game.


On the other hand, Osasuna is missing important players in midfield,

since Punal and Alfredo are sanctioned. However, they will play as

usual, that is to say, as a highly disciplined team. Osasuna are the

underdogs this season, and they always play very intense games. They

are renowned for their combative spirit and organisation. Irureta

warns on Osasuna: "They're extremely fast, so under no circumstance

we can lose any ball on the midfield". Osasuna is now seventh with

 34 points.


POSSIBLE LINE-UPS:

Deportivo: 

Molina;

Scaloni, Andrade, Cesar, Romero;

Sergio, Mauro Silva;

Victor, Valeron, Luque;

Tristan.


Osasuna: 

Sanzol;

Izquierdo, Cruchaga, Josetxo, Antonio Lopez;

Rivero, Munoz, Pablo Garcia, Valdo;

Aloisi, Bakayoko.


Referee: Losantos Omar (Basque Committee).

Venue: Riazor Stadium (A Coruna).

Kick-off: 17h00 (CET).