Villarreal vs Espanyol preview - Coutinho eyes Champions League spot

Espanyol's on-loan striker Philippe Coutinho has refused to rule out his side's hopes of nudging into the UEFA Champions League reckoning ahead of Sunday's Primera Liga clash with Villarreal.

The Catalan side suffered a setback in last weekend's 2-1 defeat to Malaga, who are currently seven points clear in the final qualifying berth, but Coutinho is convinced the gap can be recovered.

Coutinho, who has scored four goals in his last four games including the opener against Malaga, said: "Our goal is to be one of the teams that qualifies for the Champions League. There are nine games left and further work is needed."

Rui Fonte is ruled out for Espanyol with an ankle injury while Juan Albin faces a late fitness test on his injured leg. Meanwhile Coutinho is refusing to make decisions over the status of his loan from Inter Milan.

Coutinho added: "I am very happy at Espanol, but I have to live in the present and wait and speak to Inter. I don't know what the possibilities are because of the situation with my contract."

Espanyol's European hopes are set to face a stern test against Villarreal, who have been resurgent under Miguel Lotina, following up their thrilling draw with Real Madrid by winning at Rayo Vallecano last week.

But Villarreal remain in grave danger of the drop as they enter the weekend sitting six points and only two places clear of Racing Santander, who currently occupy the third and final relegation berth.