Martin Caceres, on loan to Sevilla from Barcelona,

League leaders Barcelona came through a controversial Champions League tie against Arsenal in mid-week. -AP Photo

MADRID: Martin Caceres, on loan to Sevilla from Barcelona, knows that his current side will need a fair share of good fortune if they are to prevail against his all-conquering parent club on Saturday.

League leaders Barcelona came through a controversial Champions League tie against Arsenal in mid-week, winning 3-1 for a 4-3 aggregate victory after visiting striker Robin van Persie was harshly sent off at Camp Nou.Arsenal were drawing 1-1 when van Persie received a second yellow card for kicking the ball away, but Caceres does not believe their tactic of defending deep and inviting pressure is an advisable strategy for Sevilla to adopt.

“The key is to be concentrated for 90 minutes and to try and impose our own football but it won’t be easy as all their players have tremendous ability,”said the Uruguayan, who is competing with Alexis and Federico Fazio for a starting place at centre-back.

“We will have to run a lot to beat them, be lucky and also play with the right mentality to win the match.“Whoever starts in the centre of defence will go out and do their best. We obviously want to win but it is going to be very tough.”

Sevilla are in the hunt for a place in Europe but they suffered a set-back with defeat at Athletic Bilbao and now face a Barca side led by the magical feet of Lionel Messi, who has scored 27 goals so far in the league.Real Madrid, seven points behind Barca, continue to wait for a slip-up but are likely to face Hercules without Cristiano Ronaldo, recovered from injury but expected to be rested ahead of the Champions League visit of Lyon.

Esteban Granero could keep his place in midfield despite the return of Lassana Diarra from suspension after an impressive performance in the 3-1 win over Racing Santander.

“(Granero) is a great player who does everything well. He knows how to read the game and his positioning is good. He will be an important player,” said team-mate Xabi Alonso, who is happy with Real’s progress this season.“We are going well and in a good position to start the final run-in. The team is in a good frame of mind and looking forward to playing some important games.“We are optimistic about the Champions League and then we are also in the (King’s) Cup final (against Barcelona).”