Victory would confirm the positive vibes Hercules is radiating. After returning from El Prat with renewed optimism, the blue and white squad is focused on one clear goal: a strong show this Saturday against Espanyol’s reserve side at 8:00 pm. Restoring strength locally and meeting key promotion demands are at the top of the agenda for the team.
The Alicante side opened the season with a draw as hosts against Badalona Futur and now aims to climb higher in the table by continuing their success at El Prat. A win could push them to the lead, while looming trips for Teruel and Badalona to Futur Alzira and Mallorca threaten to shape the standings in unexpected ways.
In recent seasons, Hércules has conceded too many goals at home, a trend that has harmed their progress and undermined their seasonal targets.
Ángel Rodríguez: “It would be great to be first because there is room for improvement”
Cesar Hernandez
Ángel Rodríguez’s squad progressed through the competition with purpose, and the coach has a strong chance to win over the fans by facing a direct rival who currently sits above them in the standings. Hércules lines up with an eye on momentum and stability as they prepare for the clash.
Hércules will miss Michel Herrero due to foot trouble and has Nico Espinosa and Felipe sidelined by muscle issues. The coach is expected to field a squad closely resembling the lineup that defeated Espanyol on the previous matchday, potentially including Carlos Abad; Raúl, Roger Riera, Dylan, Eimil; César Moreno, Maxi; Cedres, Marcos, Alvarito and Harper.
Villacañas: “Hércules will go further”
Cesar Hernandez
“Starting strong is always nice, but what matters most is the team’s ability to unify, improve physically, and consistently win matches,” Ángel Rodríguez observed before kick-off. He stressed that leadership counts less than securing three points right now.
The blue-and-white coach described Espanyol’s subsidiary as brave, dynamic, and feisty, and he predicted that several of its players will eventually reach higher divisions. He did not worry about a lack of early goals, noting that the team’s DNA is built around attacking play.
“We’re an attacking unit, and there will be plenty of chances to score. They won’t always find the target, the post, or the net. There will be games when opportunities come and goals follow,” he said. “It is important to give the forwards confidence and keep the focus on growth with the team.” The coach, able to repeat the lineup from the last match after a solid result, left no doubt Hercules could secure a second consecutive victory and begin the campaign with momentum.