MADRID, March 14 (Reuters) - Deportivo Coruna are ready to take a gamble against Espanyol when they try to overturn a 2-1 deficit on Wednesday and reach the Copa Del Rey final.

Despite taking a fourth minute lead through Ruben Castro, Depor slumped to a semi-final, first leg defeat on Feb. 9 after second-half goals from Espanyol's Luis Garcia and Walter Pandiani.

'We are aware that Espanyol have the edge so we will have to take risks against them,' Depor defender Manuel Pablo told reporters as he prepared for Wednesday's game.

However, the 2002 cup winners' poor home record continued to blight their season as Depor lost 1-0 to struggling Real Sociedad in the Primera Liga on Saturday.

Depor have only won four from 14 games in the league at the Riazor and have slipped to ninth in the standings.

'We are all a little down at present but we have another competition to look forward to now,' Pablo said.

'We have a great chance in front of us, not only the possibility of securing a UEFA Cup place, but also to win a title - which is what everyone wants at the end of the day.'

Depor, who have won the trophy both times they have appeared in the final, will be without injured playmaker Juan Carlos Valeron, defender Jorge Andrade and striker Sebastian Taborda.

Ten-man Espanyol's 2-0 win over fifth-placed Celta Vigo on Saturday provided further evidence of their unpredictability as they climbed to 12th in the league.

Looking ahead to Wednesday's clash coach Miguel Angel Lotina said: 'It is the most important game of the year for us.

'If we can make it to the final it will be a historic season for us and many teams will be really envious.'

Espanyol, who have won the trophy three times, have a doubt over Brazilian midfielder Fredson who collected a thigh strain on the weekend.

In the final, the victors will meet 2004 cup winners Real Zaragoza, who knocked out Barcelona and Real Madrid in previous rounds.

The final will be played in the Bernabeu on April 12.