La Liga Preview: Valladolid - Valencia

Valencia experienced something of a hiccup on Thursday night, but came through the UEFA Cup first round largely unscathed, maintaining superb form that's seen Los Che register five straight victories.

I say ‘largely’ because, of the few regulars that started against Maritimo in the second leg, Albiol was forced off the field early with injury. It was a typical case of wear and tear. Unai Emery was always keen to rest his young captain but injuries elsewhere, and the correct decision to give regular right-back Miguel a much needed break of his own, forced the young coach’s hand.

It makes the return of Marchena at the heart of the defence all the more timely, and the 29 year old showed absolutely no signs of rustiness against the Madeira outfit. That said, Emery certainly went overboard with the extent of changes, which was showcased notably by the less than impressive displays of Hugo Viana and Hedwiges Maduro – a duo plainly and publicly deemed surplus to requirements in the summer.

Equally, the decision to field one ‘striker’ in the form of veteran utility player Angulo, who endured slim to no support down the middle - rather relying purely on wing service from a recently returned Vicente and form-searching Pablo - very nearly backfired on the former Almeria boss. The cavalry were introduced and the day was saved, even if the crucial equalizing goal came from reserve left back Del Horno, courtesy of a Manuel Fernandes pass, who was mightily impressive throughout the match.

The Portuguese midfielder could be the missing link this Valencia side needs to make a serious title challenge. Los Che's defence has improved significantly since the start of the campaign, let alone last season, not least because the forward play and ability to unnerve the opposition has taken pressure of the rearguard. Valencia’s attackers are on form, and if Fernandes can keep making progress, he could become the link-man the Mestalla men have been missing since Baraja was in is prime, in the days of Rafa Benitez, where the midfielder teamed up so well with Pablo Aimar and regularly got on the score sheet.

Valencia’s opponents and hosts on Sunday continued their away day blues last weekend, downed in Malaga by a team that until then had failed to register a single goal all season. Goals are also proving a problem for Valladolid, where neither top-quality or on-form strikers are resident within the squad.

Undoubtedly, Valladolid's two home results to date have been impressive, with wins over mighty Atletico Madrid and a flying Almeria side, but this encounter probably represents the toughest assignment of the season so far for Mendilibar’s men.


FORM GUIDE

Valladolid

LOST 2-1 (A) Malaga (28 Sept - La Liga)
WON 2-0 (H) Almeria (25 Sept - La Liga)
LOST 2-0 (A) Athletic Bilbao (21 Sept - La Liga)
WON 2-1 (H) Atletico Madrid (13 Sept - La Liga
LOST 1-0 (A) Espanyol (30 Aug - La Liga)

Valencia

WON 2-1 (H) Maritimo (2 Oct - UEFA Cup 1st round, 2nd leg)
WON 4-2 (H) Deportivo (28 Sept -La Liga)
WON 2-0 (A) Malaga (25 Sept - La Liga)
WON 1-0 (H) Osasuna (21 Sept - La Liga)
WON 1-0 (A) Maritimo (18 Sept – UEFA Cup 1st round 1st leg)


TEAM NEWS

Valladolid

Alvaro returns from suspension and should return to the centre of midfield. Prieto could come into the defence, while Mendunjanin will do battle with Canobbio for a wing berth. Ogbeche should continue to spearhead the attack, with Goitom yet to really be involved this season


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La Liga Preview: Malaga - Valladolid