Xerez coach Jose Angel Ziganda has classed tomorrow's clash against Sporting Gijon as a "very important" match for his side.

Xerez, playing in the top flight for their first time in their history, have had a tough introduction to life in the Primera Division and after 10 rounds they have accrued just one win, three goals and six points.

That tally means they are second-bottom of the standings going into this weekend's fixtures, but a victory over Sporting would see them move out of the bottom three provided both Atletico Madrid and Racing Santander fail to win their games.

"We have to take points from this match. The team is training very well but the results haven't arrived. We are capable of winning. It would give us a lot of confidence to win this match, and it would move us in the right direction," said Ziganda.

November is being described as a crucial month for Xerez as they play three theoretically winnable matches against Real Valladolid, Sporting and Getafe, before then meeting Spanish powerhouses Barcelona and Atletico in their opening two games in December.

Ziganda, whose side started off the month with a goalless draw at Valladolid, insists he is taking things one game at a time though and not looking beyond the Sporting match.

"Is the month of November going to be key? I'm only thinking about this game against Sporting," he said.

"The priority is to win and then we will see how things are with regards to other results. For us it's a very important match. With two wins we could get away from the bottom, this is our real objective."

Ziganda knows it will not be easy, however, against a Sporting side who have enjoyed a fine start to the season.

Manuel Preciado's side are seventh in the standings after picking up 16 points so far, and they have taken 11 of those points in their last five games.

"They (Sporting) are a team who do not have any superstars but they do things well. They work hard on their youth system, and have spent a long time with the same coach," Ziganda said.

"He (Preciado) is a coach who has trained and fought in many places. He works well and calmly. He is getting great performances out of his squad.

"I'm only thinking about winning, I'm adamant about that. It's important that we pick up a good result."

Sporting's fine league form means they could move level with fifth-placed Deportivo La Coruna if results go their way this weekend.

However, the Asturian side suffered a setback in the Copa del Rey just before the international break when were knocked out of the fourth round by second division Recreativo Huelva following a penalty shoot-out.

Diego Castro misses out through injury against Xerez and is set to be replaced by Carmelo Gonzalez in what remains a strong Sporting line-up.