Real Valladolid striker Manucho is hoping El Pucela can cause a shock at La Rosaleda on Saturday and surprise high-flying Malaga.
The 29-year-old is in fine form after his two goals for Angola against Zimbabwe in midweek helped his country qualify for the finals of the African Nations Cup, and he is hoping for a similar result against Los Blanquiazules.
“We must continue to look for good results against the big teams so let’s see what we can do,” Manucho told Canal Pucela.
“We’ll need to take advantage of our opportunities to score because in La Primera you can’t afford to miss them. If you do then it could be too late.”
Manucho, who has been with Valladolid since July 2009 after spells with Manchester United, Hull City and Panathinaikos, accepts fans at the Nuevo Jose Zorrilla are yet to see the best of him despite two goals from four games so far this season.
“I am in the side and I’m happy that I’m playing. I want to enjoy myself and show people what I have not shown for a while,” he explained.
“Playing with Angola has given me more confidence and I hope I can take it from there and continue to improve with every game.
“However, qualifying for the African Nations Cup has its good points and bad points, as I’ll be away the whole of January.
“Hopefully we can get some good results until the end of December so we can relax a bit more.”
