Rayo Vallecano vs Zaragoza preview - Jimenez puts the blinkers on

Posted Monday, December 10, 2012 by PA

Real Zaragoza coach Manolo Jimenez is looking no further than Monday's clash with Rayo Vallecano as his team embark on a busy week.

Zaragoza face Levante in the Copa del Rey on Thursday and the Primera Division on Sunday, but first take on a team just three points ahead of them in the league table.

And Jimenez told the club's website: "We will go game by game and try to have players that are 100 per cent fit at all times. For now I am only thinking about the game against Rayo.

"We have to try to win in Vallecas. We cannot play for a draw.

"They are a good team who use the ball well and will make things very difficult.

"We have to try to keep a clean sheet, which would give us a much better chance of winning."

Missing from the squad for Monday's game will be Ndri Romaric, who has been troubled by a hamstring niggle, and Carlos Aranda due to a muscle injury in his right foot.

Vallecano coach Paco Jemez is expecting a tough test against Zaragoza, despite the visitors' poor run of just one point from three games.

He said: "Zaragoza seem stronger this year and are a team that I like, with intensity. They know what they are doing and have experienced players.

"It is going to be difficult and we must be patient, because Zaragoza are comfortable when they have the ball.

"They compete very well, it is going to be difficult because they have talented players up front."

Jemez is without Rodri and Pape Diamanka, while Mohammad Abu and Jose Carlos did not train with the squad on Saturday, but Chori Dominguez and Piti have trained as normal.