In-form Espanyol will be hoping to claim another major scalp when they take on Valencia, a team that could finally return to fourth place with three points from Cornella El Prat.

While nobody can say that Mauricio Pochettino doesn’t have enough quality to coach at this level, the reality is that the arrival of Javier Aguirre has changed everything.

Before the Mexican coach took over the reigns, Espanyol were largely struggling both home and away, and were in serious danger of getting relegated, but things quickly started taking a turn for the better.

Once they ended a seven-match winless run, los Periquitos started playing with a lot of confidence and they climbed away from the danger zone in no time.

Following the amazing run of results, Espanyol are even in a position to join the race for Europa League places, although for that to happen they need to win at least five of eight remaining fixtures.

Los Periquitos now aim to celebrate clinching La Liga survival by defeating Valencia and they are 3.10 (21/10) at bet365 to achieve their goal.

Seeing as how Joan Capdevilla has recovered from a leg problem, Samuele Longo is the only unavailable player at the moment.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Casilla – Javi Lopez, Colotto, Moreno, Alvarez – Baena, Forlin – Stuani, Verdu, Wakaso – Sergio Garcia.

The lack of strength in depth proved to be a major issue for Valencia this term, with numerous selection problems making things even more difficult.

Inexperienced Mauricio Pellegrino just could not get the team to play to their potential, so nobody was too surprised to see the former los Che defender get the boot.

Ernesto Valverde was brought to replace him and the former Villarreal boss quickly helped the players restore the lost confidence and masterminded several very important victories.

Despite their good showings, los Che could do little to avoid Champions League elimination, but some very good displays on domestic stage helped the team revive their top 4 bid.

Having been on top of their game in the last three matches, Valencia are 2.40 (7/5) favourites with Sportingbet to win at Cornella El Prat.

Ernesto Valverde has absolutely no selection worries at the moment, although Ever Banega could be recalled to the starting line-up.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Guaita – Pereira, Rami, R. Costa, Guardado – Parejo, A. Costa – Feghouli, Banega, Jonas – Soldado.

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