Villarreal vs Espanyol preview - Campbell staying positive

Villarreal striker Joel Campbell does not believe his team are about to experience a late-season swoon that could cost them a place in next season's Europa League.

The Yellow Submarine host Espanyol on Thursday, looking to snap out of a slump that has seen them fail to win any of their last five games in all competitions.

Villarreal have not won in the Primera Division since March 8 and have collected two points from their subsequent three league matches.

Villarreal held Valencia to goalless draw at the Mestalla stadium last weekend to remain in sixth place, five points clear of Malaga.

"The important thing for us is to defend our sixth position," Campbell said on his club's official website. "But I believe we have to be ambitious and not give up on anything."

He added: "We played well at Valencia and we took an away point which is always good."

Campbell, who has yet to score in La Liga since joining on loan from Arsenal in January, preferred to focus on the positives despite his team having failed to find the back of the net for a third straight league game.

"The important thing is to create goalscoring chances," he said. "I'm sure that the goals will come."

Campbell expects a stern test against Espanyol.

"Espanyol are in need of points and will come here determined to win," the 22-year-old said. "But we are playing at home and we must take advantage of this."

Espanyol are 12th in the standings, 10 points clear of the drop zone.

The Catalan outfit gave away a 77th-minute equaliser to settle for a point at home to Elche on Monday, much to the disappointment of coach Sergio.

"We paid the price for thinking we had already won the game," he said. "We need to work hard in order to return to winning ways."

Espanyol travel to the El Madrigal stadium looking for only their third league win on the road this season.

The visitors are without suspended midfielder Salva Sevilla.