What Changes is Hércules Preparing Against Intercity?

This Saturday's Hércules-Intercity match at Rico Pérez (21:30 hours) is not just any game, and coach Rubén Torrecilla is preparing several changes to compete in the best possible way against a rival that has started the season at full throttle. Intercity would be the sole leader if not for a dubious penalty conceded in the 96th minute against Atlético B, and Alejandro Sandroni's team is competing very well despite being a completely new squad after 17 signings.

Torrecilla knows that the clash will be demanding, and the 4-1 defeat in Alcorcón was a wake-up call. Hércules struggled with lateral crosses and defending their own area, and there will be changes to make the defense more aggressive, although alternatives are limited for several positions.

The first change could come at right-back. Samu Vázquez remains sidelined with a muscle injury, and Alvarito showed understandable defensive deficiencies in Alcorcón while playing as a "2," a role in which he still needs to gain experience. For this reason, Sotillos might "drop" to right-back, opening the doors for veteran Josema or Cantero to join Montoro in central defense. At left-back, options are scarce beyond Retu, as Del Moral is dealing with discomfort after missing preseason due to surgery.

In front of the central defenders, defensive pivot Mario García is untouchable and has so far been accompanied by Roger Colomina and Antonio Aranda. However, Artiles' experience plays in his favor for a match like Saturday's and he could get his chance.

On the wings, former Intercity player Oriol Soldevila is guaranteed a starting spot after scoring in the first two matches, while Alicante native Nico Espinosa is vying for the other spot with Javi Moreno, with Richie Dapaah as a backup.

In attack, Torrecilla is also short of options as Argentine Agus Coscia continues to train separately from his teammates due to a muscle injury. He will try to be in the squad but, at best, could only help in the final minutes. Meanwhile, Dani Romera is still getting into shape and does not seem ready to carry out all the work Torrecilla demands from Marcos Mendes, who has yet to make his debut in Primera RFEF.