Numancia 0 - 0 Espanyol

Numancia v Espanyol: Preview

Updated: April 11, 2009, 6:12 PM UK

Last weekend's 3-1 win at home to Deportivo La Coruna was only the fifth win of the season for the Barcelona-based side.

But despite that success, the Catalans remain bottom of the table with 25 points from their 29 games.

Alonso, who scored his team's first goal against Deportivo, hopes his side will still be in the top flight when they move into their new stadium next season.

"We are optimistic in the dressing room and we all think we are going to stay up because we have a good team and individual quality as well,'' he said.

"We have everything. And I think there will be no better reward than starting at the stadium in Cornella as a Primera Liga team.''

Espanyol have failed to win consecutive matches since the opening two games of the season, but Alonso believes victory at second-bottom Numancia on Sunday would represent a huge boost.

"It's really important because they are a direct rival (in the relegation battle) and a win would give us a tremendous injection of morale,'' he said.

Alonso, a January signing from Murcia, says his team got it just right against Deportivo.

"We played a complete game on Sunday. The team played well, we were solid in defence, good in attack and we managed to get the much-needed three points,'' he said.

Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino is set to opt for a more defensive-minded formation away from home on Sunday and Alonso looks likely to drop to the bench.

Captain Raul Tamudo is set to start alone up front, but Ivan De La Pena is struggling with a knock and is doubtful.

Steve Finnan, Mari Lacruz and David Garcia all miss out through injury.

Espanyol are six points behind Getafe, in 17th, and Real Betis, in 16th.

Numancia, meanwhile, are just two points better off than the Catalans.

The Soria-based side looked unlikely to survive a few weeks ago, but wins over Valencia and Sporting Gijon and a spirited draw at Betis last weekend have given the northerners seven points from their last four games.

Results have improved since Pacheta succeeded Sergio Kresic earlier this year, but the new man knows Sunday's match is crucial.

"This game is key, the most important game we have had all year by a long way,'' he said.

Pacheta spent five seasons at Espanyol as a player, but says he will be out to hurt his former club on Sunday.

"It's always special to come up against them, but on Sunday I want them to lose and I think they will,'' he said.

Antonio Guayre misses out through injury, while Manuel Pavon is suspended.