Almeria vs Sevilla preview - Kanoute out of derby

Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute is set to miss the Andalusian derby away to Almeria in the Primera Division.

Kanoute had been expected to make a return from a thigh problem, but is now likely to miss out after he was only able to participate in very light training on Friday.

Fellow striker Alvaro Negredo will definitely start, however, and the former Almeria man is relishing a return to the club where he made his name.

"I had two great years there and playing against them will always be special," he said.

Realistically, Sevilla are no longer in contention for a place in the Champions League, but Gregorio Manzano's side can still seal a Europa League spot.

With five games left, Sevilla are currently sixth.

"We're still in the hunt," Negredo said. "We have five games left, play Barcelona on the last day and also have to play Espanyol, so anything can happen."

Alexis Ruano and Jesus Navas miss out through injury.

Almeria, meanwhile, look doomed at the foot of the Primera Division table.

They have lost their last five matches and lie 10 points behind 17th-placed Zaragoza with only 15 to play for.

Coach Roberto Olabe admits his side's chances of survival are slim, but says the team are concentrating on tomorrow's derby.

"The players have been down and it has been difficult to lift them up," he said.

"We know we have an uphill battle, but we just want to go out and beat Sevilla - that's our aim at the moment."

Strikers Pablo Piatti and Leonardo Ulloa are doubtful.