Valladolid

Valladolid appears to have recovered from the terrible form which blighted the Castilian club's start to the season. Jose Luis Mendilibar's side lost four of the first seven matches and picked up just one win in that period. But Valladolid returned to form in style after that with a brilliant 4-0 win at home to Deportivo La Coruna two weeks ago and followed that up with a creditable 1-1 tie at in-form Espanyol last weekend. That result was achieved thanks to a stunning late strike from midfielder Haris Medunjanin, but followed a period of sustained pressure and was fully deserved. Valladolid now hosts lowly Xerez on Sunday and will hope to continue that run, although Mendilibar has warned against complacency. "It won't be easy to beat Xerez," he said. Jonathan Sesma is available again, but goalkeeper Jacobo Sanz misses out through injury.