Deportivo La Coruna Preview
Over the past couple of seasons, Depor have refreshed European football with a bright attacking style of play, adept at both forcing the match and counter-attacking, a game with the Galician side is virtually guaranteed goals.
With Nourridine Naybet proving himself an impressive finisher and playing at centre back, it would be fair to say that Depor are dangerous across the park and as Arsenal and Manchester United found out to their cost, can counter-attack at deadly pace.
Jose Molina will certainly be a busy keeper with Depor often stretched owing to their over zealousness going forward.
Whether Donato's hamstrings can weather another full season of league action is doubtful and at a quoted age of 38, this must be close to the end of his illustrious career.
The rock at the back for Depor can sometimes end up resembling said object and the arrival of Jorge Andrade gives the club more mobility in the heart of the defence. Moroccan international Naybet is 32 now but seems to enjoy the responsibility and freedom he has with Irureta.
Enrique Romero is also a defender of some note and will likely start on the right, yet it is at full back that Depor enjoys much depth, with Joan Capdevila, Cesar Martin, Lionel Scaloni and the returning Manuel Pablo who give much needed width.
The loss of Emerson is more than made up by the acquisition of Toro Acuna, the former Real Zaragoza star, who will perhaps have to play something of a more reserved role than he is used to, although at Depor this means little. Aldo Pedro Duscher and Jose Amavisca will back-up the injury prone Mauro Silva, whilst Sergio will battle Acuna for a centre midfield spot.
Sergio and Fran will play on the flanks as it seems that Djalminha's career at Depor is over following his tete a tete with Irureta, a shame given his undoubted skill on the pitch.
With Juan Carlos Valeron starting the season in cracking form, whoever plays as lone striker, either Diego Tristan when fit, Roy Makaay or Walter Pandiani, they will certainly have a massive amount of service.
The continual pursuit of Albert Luque and a mysterious player ending in 'o' according to president Augusto Caesar Lendoiro shows that either Depor want to use two forwards more, or they believe they can do without one of their trio of quality strikers and with days to go before the transfer deadline, a late move cannot be ruled out.
Planetfootball.com prediction: 1st
Last season: 2nd
Star Player: Diego Tristan
One to watch: Lionel Scaloni
Ins: Acuna (Zaragoza), Jorge Andrede (Porto), Juanmi (Zaragoza)
Outs: Emerson (Atletico), Helder (Benfica) David Pirri (Zaragoza), Nuno (Porto), Fernando
