Sevilla will hope victory over Malaga tomorrow will see them move level at the top of the standings alongside Real Madrid.

Third-placed Sevilla host bottom club Malaga at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan bidding for a return to winning ways after their eight-match unbeaten run came to an abrupt halt with the 1-0 Champions League defeat at Unirea Urziceni in midweek.

Three points on Saturday could see Sevilla leapfrog Barcelona and join leaders Real at the top of the table ahead of El Clasico at the Nou Camp on Sunday.

Sevilla coach Manuel Jimenez insists they must be ruthless against struggling teams like Malaga if they are to sustain their title charge in the Andalusian derby.

"The Romania game is behind us and analysed," said Jimenez.

"Now we must focus on a rival that in recent years has caused many upsets in Sevilla.

"If we are really a rival to Madrid and Barcelona, we cannot lose points at home.

"I want to win our game and stay up with the big boys."

Sevilla were without a host of first-team regulars in last week's 2-1 win at Tenerife, many of whom were again unavailable against Unirea.

Goalkeeper Andres Palop (calf), Julien Escude (broken nose), Federico Fazio (ankle), Aldo Duscher, Lautaro Acosta (both hamstring) and Tom De Mul (left adductor) were all absent.

Acosta underwent an operation today and will be out for between four and five weeks.

Arouna Kone is back with his team-mates after travelling to visit his young daughter, who suffered severe injuries following a fall this week, and the striker could feature.

After missing the Tenerife win, Sergio Sanchez and Ivica Dragutinovic returned in midweek and should be fit to continue, but Adriano continues to struggle.

Jimenez called on his side to attack from the start against Malaga.

"We must show in every game we want to be up at the top," he added.

"We must go for the game from minute one knowing it will be difficult."

Malaga have drawn their last two matches, including last weekend's 1-1 contest at home to Real Zaragoza, but they remain in search of their first win since the opening day of the season.

Weligton misses out through suspension, while Helder Rosario will be absent through injury and Apono and Selim Benachour are doubtful.

Nevertheless, Duda is confident Malaga can claim victory and climb out of their current predicament and has faith in coach Juan Ramon Lopez Muniz.

"I am convinced that this group is going to pull this off, and within the group is the coach," he said.

"Sevilla are a great team. We do not fear them, but respect them.

"All games are different. Now the most important thing is for us to give 100%."