Hercules continue their battle against relegation when they host a Sevilla side seeking a top four finish on Sunday evening.
Whatever happens this season, the Alicante side will be forever remembered for one glorious result in Round 2 of the season, when Nelson Valdez scored a brace to send them to victory against Barcelona at Camp Nou. Los Herculanos’ campaign will not be defined by that fixture, however, and points must be garnered with regularity at home if their goal of survival is to be realised.
The Jose Rico Perez has not proven to be much of a fortress in the early weeks of the term as Hercules have lost to Athletic Bilbao and Valencia at the venue already, and Sevilla’s visit completes a hat-trick of difficult home fixtures for Esteban Vigo’s side.
Away from home they are as yet unbeaten, having also drawn in Zaragoza in midweek, a result that left the coach fairly optimistic. “My players have produced some good work, and it was important to get a point because the Primera Division is very complicated, and throughout the season this point will be worth a lot,” he explained to the media.
Few newly promoted teams can boast experience and quality in the form that Hercules possess in David Trezeguet, Royston Drenthe and Valdez, so they will be hoping to match any side on their own pitch, particularly as los Nervionenses are a team still trying to find their best form.
Anxiety Attack
Sevilla’s difficult run of form continued on Thursday evening as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Racing Santander at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. Antonio Alvarez’s side have been struggling for any consistency in their performances in the early weeks of the season, crashing out of the Champions League, but they had been going along steadily in the league before the midweek setback.
A penalty goal from Alvaro Negredo seemingly had the Andalucians in pole position, but Pablo Pinillos struck early in the second half to level for los Verdiblancos. The disquiet around the club is building, and Alvarez has confessed that it is starting to have an impact upon his players.
“In the first half we had clear chances but we cannot detract from the work of Racing,” he considered. “We knew it would be a difficult game and it has been, but there is a lot of anxiety on this team and that has shown.
“It's hard to hear whistles from the fans. The team were anxious to play well and give joy to the fans. We're lacking in self confidence but we have to work more to change the dynamics and look to take three points against Hercules.”
Having won both of their previous away games this season, los Rojiblancos at least have a positive statistic to cling onto going into what looks to be a really awkward match.
TEAM NEWS
Hercules
Nelson Valdez will continue to be monitored to see if he will be able to feature after injuring a thigh during the recent defeat against Valencia. Javier Farinos continues to battle a groin problem but otherwise los Herculanos have reported no further issues.
Sevilla
Last minute headaches disrupted Antonio Alvarez’s preparations in midweek. Not only was Frederic Kanoute knocked out of the game at the last minute by a virus, Martin Caceres suffered back pain in the warm up to the game and is hence doubtful for the trip to Alicante on Sunday.
Ivica Dragutinovic is still working his way back to fitness after a serious Achilles problem. Jesus Navas is expected to miss around another week and Renato is still injured too.
Lautaro Acosta is hoping to make a big impression after overcoming his injury problems, though the best he can hope for is a spot on the bench. Diego Capel was left out in midweek and will be aiming to return to the matchday squad.
Prediction
This may well be Hercules chance to break their home duck. Sevilla are in the midst of a hectic run of fixtures and are struggling to find their peak performance. Los Herculanos may have lost their two home matches to date, but both have been tightly contested against very good sides. This could be third time lucky for the Alicante side, who have it in themselves to earn at least a draw.
Hercules 1-1 Sevilla 
Steve Harper has been ruled out for three months after injuring his shoulder against Everton last week, which means Tim Krul is set for his first Premier League start.
Jermaine Pennant faces a late fitness test after picking up a hamstring injury in last week’s draw with West Ham.
Kevin Davies and Jussi Jaaskelainen return, having served their respective suspensions.
Rio Ferdinand is expected to be back to his duties of marshalling the Red Devils’ back line, having played against Scunthorpe United in the League Cup, with Jonny Evans likely to be the man who will be benched.
