Zaragoza lie third from bottom of the Primera Liga table, three points adrift of Recreativo and safety.

The two sides' proximity in the table adds extra spice to the contest, especially given league places at the end of the season are decided on head-to-head records rather than goal difference for teams level on points.

Recreativo have the upper hand at the moment, holding a three-point lead over their opponents and having won the first game between the sides 2-1.

That means Zaragoza need to win by two clear goals to leap-frog the Andalusians and climb out of the bottom three.

But Villanova is refusing to give up hope as long as his team still has a chance of survival.

"This match is absolutely crucial for us and will affect the final games we have to play and we're all aware of that," he told Spanish newspaper Marca.

"As long as mathematically we are not relegated we will have to fight because there is always hope."

Villanova warned his players of the danger posed by Saturday's opponents.

"(They are) hard working, they know what they're doing, they are strong in defence, and fast on the break," he said.

Zaragoza striker Ricardo Oliveira was also quick to point out Recreativo would be battling for their top-flight lives just as desperately as the home side.

"Our rival is fighting with us to get away from the relegation zone, so winning is so important," he told the club's official website, www.realzaragoza.com.

"It won't be easy but we will go out to win because we're playing for our futures.

"They are very powerful, with some quick men. We'll go all out for the game and we can gain an advantage, but to do that we cannot give Recreativo any chances because if we do they can hurt us."

Villanova has included Francelino Matuzalem in his squad in the hope his suspension will be overturned.

The coach though will be without star striker Diego Milito, who is out after picking up a knock in training.

In contrast to Zaragoza, who have recorded just one win in their last 10 games, Recreativo have lost only once in their last five.

But Recreativo captain Aitor Tornavaca feels Zaragoza are capable of far better than they have shown this season.

"It's a vital match for both of us," he told the official Recreativo website, www.recreativohuelva.com.

"Zaragoza have been well below expectations all season, but I don't think that's the real Zaragoza.

"They have players of great quality and are especially difficult when they play at La Romareda, which is a tough ground to go to with fans who put you under a lot of pressure."

"It'll be a tough match, especially with everything that we're playing for."

Quique Alvarez is missing for the southerners, while Iago Bouzon has been included in the squad despite being a doubt all week.