Morning all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from the Riazor as Deportivo La Coruna welcome Espanyol. The home side are in desperate need of the points as they fight to remain in the division, but Espanyol have will be keen to bounce back from an inconsistent run of form. Let's hope for an entertaining start to Sunday's La Liga acton!

Before anything else, let me bring you up-to-date with the confirmed team news.

TEAMS:

DEPOR: Fabricio; Juanfran, Sidnei, Lopo, Luisinho; Bergantinos, Borges; Farina, Cavaleiro, Lucas; Riera

ESPANYOL: Casilla; Arbilla, Moreno, Alvaro, Duarte; Sevilla, Canas, Sanchez, Lopez, Vasquez; Caicedo

So there we have it. No real surprises in the Depor XI this morning, with experienced forward Oriol Riera once again leading the line. There is also a spot in the team for Luis Farina, but Juan Dominguez and Jose Rodriguez are both on the bench. It appears to be a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Espanyol, meanwhile, are without their skipper Sergio Garcia through injury, while Uruguay international Christian Stuani is only on the bench. That means that there is a start for Felipe Caicedo, while Salva Sevilla is also given a rare chance to impress in a midfield five for the visitors.

In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, both have won two of the last five matches, with the further clash ending in a goalless draw. That draw came earlier this season as the points were shared in Barcelona. These two teams have met just twice in La Coruna since 2010, but Deportivo have triumphed on both occasions without conceding a goal.

Deportivo put back-to-back wins together at the end of January and start of February, but they have since gone five games without a win – losing four times in the process. That said, three of those defeats came against Real Madrid, Sevilla and Valencia. As it stands, Depor sit just outside the relegation zone in 17th, level on points with 18th-place Levante as the race to remain in the league hots up.

Deportivo's home form this season has been a little disappointing – losing seven of their 14 matches and only recording four wins. They have also really struggled on the road – losing seven of their 13 matches and winning just twice. What's more, they have only managed six goals in their 13 away games, which unsurprisingly, is comfortably the worst total in the entire division.

Espanyol, meanwhile, will enter the match off the back of a 0-0 draw at home to Atletico Madrid last weekend. They have recorded two wins in their last five league games, but it has been a disappointing few weeks due to their elimination in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey. As it stands, a total of 33 points from their 27 matches has left them in 11th position in the table.

Unsurprisingly, Espanyol have been a lot better at home than they have been on the road this season. On their own patch, they have won seven of their 14 matches and lost just twice, but they have recorded just two wins on their travels and lost nine times. A top-eight finish this season would be deemed a success, but they will need to improve their away form for that to transpire.

PREDICTION! I think that Deportivo will fancy their chances of claiming maximum points here. Espanyol are not in the greatest of form and are missing their best player. That said, I still think that the visitors have enough about them to claim a point. My score prediction at the Riazor is 1-1.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. Can Depor record a much-needed three points? The home side get the first 45 minutes underway at the Riazor.

You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in this type of match. The home side immediately look forward towards Riera, but Casilla is out to claim.

It has been a really strong start from Depor, with Farina and Borges both delivering dangerous crosses into the Espanyol box. The visitors deal with the pressure, but it is the hosts making all of the running in the opening four minutes. It is so important to start quickly in these type of games.

Almost a wonderful chance for Lucas Vasquez as the Espanyol attacker beats the offside trap before advancing into the box, but Lopo is across at the vital moment to make a fine tackle.

BOOKING! Sanchez (Espanyol) is booked for a high challenge on Juanfran.

CHANCE! The resulting free kick is delivered by Cavaleiro and met by Riera, but the striker's header just clears the crossbar. It has been the home side making the early running at the Riazor.

Espanyol have thus far been unable to get Caicedo in the match, but a sustained period of possession does allow the visitors to move forward as a team. Still goalless with 11 minutes played.

CHANCE! Espanyol come close to taking the lead as Lopez collects a short free kick before absolutely hammering one towards the bottom corner, but Fabricio is across to make a really smart save.

Espanyol have just started to warm to their task here as they enjoy a sustained period of possession inside the Depor half, but once again Lopo is on hand to clear a cross from the left.

It must be said that Depor's delivery from set pieces has been really disappointing thus far. In truth, that is the story of their season. They play some really nice football, but struggle to find that elusive pass in the final third. This match is so, so important to their survival hopes this season.

Depor defender Luisinho looks to have a problem for the home side here after a late challenge from Vasquez. The Portuguese has signalled to the bench and it does not look too good!

The power of the magic sponge? Luisinho is back on his feet. Well, that did not take long!

GOAL DISALLOWED! Espanyol have the ball in the back of the net as Caicedo converts from close range, but the forward was in an offside position. Not too sure about some of the Depor defending there!

Plenty happening in the middle of the park at the moment as the challenges continue to fly in, but the referee is allowing the match to flow, which is creating an entertaining spectacle. Depor have had more of the ball thus far, but the visitors have been the more threatening in the final third.

Good spell for the home side in the last couple of minutes, but they are not really threatening to make the breakthrough. Nice football here and there, but that has been the limit thus far today.

Half-chance for Depor as Cavaleiro strikes a powerful volley from the edge of the box, but Casilla is down to make a smart save, before releasing Arbilla down the other end.

Caicedo attempts to bundle his way through the Depor defence and manages to advance into the box, but Sidnei steps out to clear at the vital moment, before breaking down the other end. Eventually Farina tries his luck from outside the Espanyol box, but his effort curls wide of the post.

BOOKING! Lopez (Espanyol) is booked for a late challenge on Borges.

Juanfran takes matters into his own hands for the home side following a spell of possession, but his effort was always straight into the arms of Casilla, who has been the busier goalkeeper.

Espanyol break down the other end with Sevilla, who collects a low cross from Vasquez before firing towards goal, but his effort is high of the crossbar. End-to-end football at the Riazor.

BOOKING! Lopo (Deportivo) is booked for dissent.

Little under 10 minutes of the first half remaining and the score is still goalless. Both sides have had bits and pieces, but clear chances have been at a premium. Pretty even game thus far.

Possession football from the visitors as we approach the latter stages of the first period. In truth, a point apiece would not be the worst result in the world for either of these two teams here.

BOOKING! Sidnei (Deportivo) is booked for a poor challenge on Lucas Vasquez.

The resulting free kick is delivered by Lucas Vasquez and met by the head of Lopez, but his effort was always moving over the crossbar. Still goalless with 40 minutes on the clock here.

Deportivo gain a free kick in a dangerous position, but it is really poor from Borges, who delivers straight into the stands. That just about sums up most of the attacking football thus far here.

BOOKING! Duarte (Espanyol) is booked for a high foot on Lucas Vasquez.

I should not think that we will have too much added time at the end of this first period.

We are into the first of two added minutes and it has become awfully scrappy as both sets of players clash when Bergantinos hits the deck, before leaving the field to receive treatment.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 0-0. Both have had bits and pieces in the final third, but the overall quality in attacking areas has been really disappointing. Let's hope for some goal-mouth action in the second 45 minutes.

STATS! The home side have just shaded the possession with 52%, while they have had six attempts - one of which has been on target. Espanyol, meanwhile, have also hit the target just once from their four attempts. It has also been a bitty game in terms of challenges, with five bookings already issued.

BENCH WATCH! Depor boss Fernandez does not have too many attacking options on his bench this afternoon, but the likes of Dominguez and Rodriguez are both available. Espanyol, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Montanes and Stuani. Will we see any alterations at the break?

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Will there be a breakthrough at the Riazor? Let's hope so! The visitors get the second 45 minutes underway.

No changes from either side at the break, which is not all that surprising at this stage. However, I suspect that alterations will occur if the score remains level for the next 15 minutes or so.

It has been a strong start to the second period from Depor, with Farina and Cavaleiro both delivering dangerous crosses from wide areas. Espanyol break down the other end moments later, but Lopez's effort is blocked on route to goal. Good tempo to the game at the moment.

BOOKING! Borges (Deportivo) is booked for a late challenge on Canas.

The home side continue to play good football in the final third, but they are still struggling to find that elusive final pass, which has been the story of their season. Still goalless at the Riazor.

CHANCE! Depor come close to making the breakthrough as Riera meets a whipped cross from Luisinho, but the striker's header just drops wide of the post. Unlucky there!

Lucas Perez is next to come close for the home side after showing excellent feet outside the box, but his low effort fizzes wide of the post. Much, much better from Depor in the last couple.

SUB! Espanyol make their first change as Stuani replaces Caicedo.

I suspect that Depor boss Victor Fernandez might think about a change in the next 10 minutes or so. His team have started to gain a foothold and he has some attacking options in reserve here.

Little over 30 minutes of football remaining at the Riazor and we are still waiting for the first goal of the match. I predicted a 1-1 draw and while I am struggling to see two goals now, I think that this one could be heading for a share of the spoils. Someone prove me wrong late on here!

SUB! Depor make their first change as Salomao replaces Farina.

It is a really bitty game at the moment, with both sides guilty of conceding possession far too easily in the final third. The referee has also been busy due to a number of untidy challenges.

Good spell of possession for Deportivo in the last couple of minutes, but their latest attack comes to a close when Salomao's through pass is collected by Casilla. In truth, a point apiece would not be the worst result for either side, but Depor are the team pushing for a goal.

Espanyol have 10 outfield players behind the ball at the moment as Deportivo pass and probe in the final third. I think it would be fair to say that one goal wins this match, but it is difficult to see where it is coming from at the moment. Still 0-0 with 66 minutes on the clock in La Coruna.

CHANCE! Excellent chance for the home side as Borges delivers a super pass into Riera, who attempts to find the corner from a wide angle, but Moreno just does enough to force the striker wide and Riera's effort is high of the crossbar. Depor continue to look the most likely here.

SUB! Depor make their second change as Toche replaces Riera.

SUB! Espanyol make their second change as Montanes replaces Canas.

BOOKING! Bergantinos (Deportivo) is booked for a late challenge on Duarte.

Espanyol just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as the home side continue to force the issue, but they are finding it difficult to really test Casilla. Little over 15 minutes remaining.

Depor manage to keep the ball alive inside the Espanyol box, but they just cannot fashion an attempt on goal, with Cavaleiro and Lucas Perez both swiping at the ball. Story of the game!

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for the home side as the ball breaks to Cavaleiro inside the Espanyol box, but Casilla somehow smothers the Portuguese at the vital moment. Excellent goalkeeping!

Little over 10 minutes of football remaining and it is all Deportivo, with the home side really forcing the issue. Wouldn't it be just typical of the game if Espanyol nicked one on the counter.

SUBS! Depor make their third change as Dominguez replaces Bergantinos. Espanyol also use their final change as Sevilla is replaced by Mattioni. Little over 10 minutes to play.

Espanyol have just managed to ease the pressure with a spell of possession, but in truth, they are offering very little in the final third. It has been a poor attacking display from the visitors here.

CROSSBAR! Espanyol come close to making the breakthrough as Moreno meets a flicked header at the far post, but his effort hits the crossbar before bouncing on the line. Incredible how that has not gone in! Best chance of the match by some considerable distance.

Suddenly Espanyol look the team most likely to win it as they break forward with Duarte, who delivers a dangerous cross towards the far post, but Sidnei just manages to head clear.

Little over three minutes of normal time remaining and it does appear that this one will go down as a goalless draw. That said, Espanyol suddenly fancy their chances of winning this!

As far as goalless draws go, this has been pretty good, but it is always disappointing when neither side manages to break the deadlock. Is there to be a late sting in the tail here?

BOOKING! Alvaro (Espanyol) is booked for a late challenge on Toche.

Now then, Espanyol have a free kick just outside the Deportivo box...

... SAVE! Arbilla curls the resulting set piece towards the top corner, but Fabricio is on hand to make a super save. Espanyol are looking the team most likely to nick a late winner here.

We are into the first of three additional minutes at the Riazor.

Time is just running out here as Deportivo once again concede possession in the final third. In truth, a point apiece is just about a fair result in this one. Neither has done enough to win it.

So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with the two teams sharing the points in a goalless draw. Deportivo have moved above Almeria into 16th position, but Espanyol remain 11th. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good afternoon from La Coruna!