Espanyol 3 - 0 Valencia

Espanyol v Valencia: Preview

Updated: May 2, 2009, 4:47 PM UK

Espanyol and Valencia will have very different objectives in mind when the two teams meet in the Primera Division.

Both sides have been in impressive form in recent weeks and both have put themselves in a position to attain their goals as La Liga draws towards its close.

In Espanyol's case, survival is the key, while Valencia will look to qualify for the Champions League.

Espanyol looked doomed to relegation just a few weeks ago, but the Barcelona-based side have won their last three matches and taken 13 points from a possible 15 in recent times.

Last weekend's 2-0 win at home to Real Betis saw the Catalans move out of the bottom three for the first time since mid-December and there is a real belief among the camp that the city of Barcelona will continue to have two teams in the top flight next season.

With five games still remaining, though, Espanyol sit just two points clear of the bottom three.

And playmaker Ivan De La Pena reminded his team-mates that survival has still not been guaranteed.

"We have got ourselves out of a very difficult situation, but we haven't achieved anything yet,'' he said.

"We've got a little cushion now, but we can't relax or fall asleep.''

De La Pena paid tribute to Espanyol's fans and hopes the club can share the joy of staying up with their long-suffering supporters.

"In difficult moments, there is no other support in Spain like Espanyol's,'' he said.

"Their role has incredible importance, their help really boosts us and we hope to toast survival with them.''

De La Pena is wary of Valencia's attacking might, but believes Espanyol can win another three points on Sunday.

"They have a very dangerous forward line, with a lot of quality in midfield and attack,'' he said.

"They have players who can change games in an instant and they are in their best form of the season, but we are also very strong and we'll fight for the three points.''

David Garcia, Angel Martinez and Steve Finnan all miss out through injury, but coach Mauricio Pochettino will have all of his regular starters available for Sunday's game.

Valencia's season appeared to be in freefall a couple of months ago.

Affected by problems on an off the pitch, Unai Emery's side began to slide dramatically down the table.

But an impressive five-match winning streak followed.

That run saw the club move back into the Champions League places and they stayed there after last weekend's creditable 2-2 draw at home to Barcelona.

And coach Emery has called for his players to treat Espanyol with the same respect as Barca.

"We have to treat the game against Espanyol exactly as we treated the match against Barcelona,'' he said today.

"Espanyol have been down, but they've improved.

"They work with co-ordination and discipline, and they have good players.''

Valencia sit a point behind third-placed Sevilla and one above Villarreal, in fifth.

Cesar Sanchez and Pablo Hernandez are doubtful for the game, while David Albelda remains sidelined, but Joaquin could return.

Hedwiges Maduro is available after emerging unscathed from a car accident this week.