Deportivo La Coruna has entered the decisive stretch of the season in excellent form. Antonio Hidalgo's side are unbeaten for eight matches and sit in third place, just two points off the promotion zone. Riazor will be packed to capacity – a record attendance is expected this season, and the hosts are determined to take three points in front of their home fans. Meanwhile, Leganés is in a real crisis: they suffered two crushing defeats in a row (0-4 to Andorra) and have now gone eight away matches without a win.
The visitors' situation is further exacerbated by colossal personnel losses. Due to injuries and suspensions, Leganés will be without at least eight key players, including their entire defensive core. Under these circumstances, the coach will be forced to field players with very little playing time. Deportivo, on the other hand, has almost all of its key players available, with the exception of David Mella. With such a squad imbalanced, the hosts must seize the moment and press their weakened opponent.
Given the phenomenal crowd support, the over-motivation to reach the Primera Division, and the catastrophic state of Leganés' defense, the home team is simply obliged to take all three points. The prediction in the Spanish press is for a confident performance from Hidalgo's team, who will press from the start.
