Even if they beat Villarreal at Ramon Sanchez Pizjua, Sevilla won’t be able to qualify for the Champions League, but los Rojiblancos desperately need maximum points in order to remain in contention for the European places.

Sevilla are currently tied on points with 6th-placed Atletico Madrid, but are just one point clear of Espanyol, meaning that Gregorio Manzano’s side have got to try and pick up as many points as possible from the six remaining games.

The match against Villarreal is very important for Sevilla, especially after the lost at Getafe last time out, and there is no doubt the hosts will be looking for a win here.

Gregorio Manzano has received a welcoming boost as Frederic Kanoute has resumed training and looks likely to play some part against Villarreal, although Jesus Navas, Tibo Guarente and Alexis Ruano are out on the sidelines.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Javi Varas – Caceres, Fazio, Escude, Navarro- Medel, Romaric – Perotti, Rakitic, Capel – Negredo.

Being six points behind 3rd-placed Valencia and nine points clear of 5th-placed Athletic Bilbao, Villarreal have virtually secured the 4th place in the standings, meaning they can now focus on their Europa League campaign.

The Yellow Submarine made amends for the shocking 5:0 defeat at Valencia as they beat Twente in the return leg before winning the La Liga tie against Real Zaragoza, so they now enter this match high on confidence.

With the Europa League semi-final clash against Porto due just four days after this game, coach Juan Carlos Garrido could be tempted into making a couple of changes to the starting line-up.

Marcos Senna has resumed training following the lengthy spell on the sidelines, but he is not yet ready to feature, while Angel Lopez and Gonzalo Rodriguez remain long-term casualties.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Diego Lopez – Mario, Musacchio, Marchena, Capdevila – Cani, Bruno, Borja Valero, Mubarak – Ruben, Rossi.

Sevilla have got a great chance to edge closer to the European qualification with a win over indifferent Villarreal and los Rojiblancos are 2.00 (1/1) with Paddy Power to win this game. The price on Villarreal is 4.00 (3/1) at Victor Chandler.