Antonio Lopez has called on Atletico Madrid to get the Rojiblancos back where they belong as they prepare to welcome Sevilla to the Vicente Calderon.

Quique Sanchez Flores set a target of sitting in seventh place in the Primera Division by Christmas when he was appointed Atletico coach in October following the departure of Abel Resino.

But results have not been as positive as expected and, with 15 games played, Atletico headed into the two-week winter break in 15th spot - just two points above the relegation zone.

The capital club could only draw 1-1 at promoted side Tenerife in their last match before the festive hiatus, and Lopez accepts things have to improve in the second half of the season.

"We would like things to change in 2010," he said. "It is what we expect. We have to pull ahead and get Atletico Madrid into the position it deserves."

He added: "We have to give everything in order to gain three points on Saturday.

"To win against Sevilla we have to concentrate for the whole game to avoid mistakes. We have great quality in the offensive part of the team."

Tomas Ujfalusi and Juanito are both suspended for the hosts, while Sergio Aguero and Pablo Ibanez are doubtful.

However, Sanchez Flores is boosted by the return to fitness of Maxi Rodriguez, who had been struggling with an injury over the Christmas period.

Jose Reyes missed the final match of 2009 against Tenerife due to a neck problem, but is fully recovered and is in contention to face his former club.

The Utrera-born 26-year-old said: "I've overcome the injury that I suffered and I feel pretty good.

"I've already done some headers and I didn't feel any pain, which is important, and proof that I've fully recovered.

"It's a special game for me, which is nice to play in. I like playing Sevilla, but obviously the most important thing is to win for me, for the club and for the supporters."

Reyes spent a decade with Sevilla, coming through the youth ranks and then spending five years in the first team before joining Arsenal in 2004.

"If I score I won't celebrate it, out of respect for the club where I grew up," he vowed.

"Sure, it's always important and one likes scoring regardless of who it's against.

"The truth is that I don't get obsessed about scoring; the truly important thing is for the team to win. If we win, whoever scores, I'll go home happy."

Sevilla have failed to win any of their last three matches at home, picking up just two points with draws against Real Valladolid and Malaga, before going down 2-1 to Getafe on December 19.

That hugely disappointing haul has seen the Andalusians slip off the pace in the title race. Three wins would have put Sevilla in joint second, just two points behind leaders Barcelona.

They will probably be glad to play away from the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan tomorrow, even though they will face an Atletico side determined to turn their season around.

Adriano and Lolo should be fit for the visitors after recovering from injuries, but goalkeeper Javi Varas is out following a collision with Abdoulay Konko in training.