Espanyol vs Rayo Vallecano preview - Pochettino eyes lift-off

Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino is hopeful Sunday's match against Rayo Vallecano can be the catalyst to kick-start what has so far been a dreadful season.

The Primera Division's bottom club have yet to register a win in their seven league matches to date, drawing two and losing five.

Rayo find themselves 10th in the table after wins against Granada, Real Betis and Deportivo but Pochettino sees the game at the Estadi Cornell`-El Prat as the perfect opportunity to relieve some of the pressure.

"For me and for the team, the three points are vital," he said. "There is some nervousness and all are concerned. We try to insulate ourselves from all this and focus on getting good results. My work is that the players do not suffer, be calm and compete in the best way."

And Pochettino is hopeful his side can take advantage of their opponent's attacking intentions.

"Rayo are not going to surprise you," he continued. "They played with a high risk and are a team that wants the spotlight. After Valladolid tucked in six goals against (them) they beat Depor."

Joan Capdevila looks set to start the game at full back with Victor Alvarez out injured, although Pochettino could elect to start Victor Sanchez.

The visitors could be without Manuel Arana who picked up an ankle injury during training on Thursday, but injury doubts Jordi Amat, Javi Fuego and Nicki Bille all took part in the session.