Espanyol VS Villarreal preview - Garcia boost for Espanyol

Posted Sunday, February 23, 2014 by PA

Espanyol have received good news ahead of Monday's home game against Villarreal with striker Sergio Garcia available to play.

Garcia, who is the team's top scorer with 10 league goals, sustained a knock on his left leg during training in the week.

The Spanish forward has recovered and is set to lead Espanyol's attack.

Garcia was on target in last weekend's 2-1 triumph at Athletic Bilbao.

The outcome followed their 1-0 victory over Granada and lifted Javier Aguirre's side to ninth in the Primera Division.

"We are going through a good spell," Espanyol striker Cristhian Stuani said. "This is why we have 32 points in the table.

"We know that if we play the way we know, we can make life difficult for any rival."

Stuani has urged the club's fans to stand by the team as they look to beat a Villarreal side who are flying high in the league.

The Valencian outfit travel to the Cornella stadium in sixth place, eight points clear of Espanyol.

"We can do great things this season provided we have our fans behind us," Stuani said.

"We know a Monday night game is not ideal for the supporters but it would be great if a lot of fans made an effort and turned up to watch us play."

Rivals Villarreal are looking to return to winning ways after last weekend's 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo, which was their third loss in four league games.

However, coach Marcelino is not too concerned with their recent setbacks.

"I would only worry if we weren't playing well," he said. "The fact is that if we play the way we did against Celta, then we could win the majority of our games.

"We just need to be more focused on defence and show more intensity when playing away from home."

Villarreal have won just one of their last four games on the road.

Juan Carlos Sanchez will continue to deputise for Villarreal's injured goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo, who is out with a hamstring tear.

The hosts welcome back midfielder Victor Alvarez from suspension.