La Liga Preview: Valencia - Athletic Bilbao

Posted Friday, April 16, 2010 by Goal.com

Kick Off: Thursday, April 15, 2010. 22:00 CET
Mestalla, Valencia

Get Back On Track

Four defeats in their last eight Primera Division matches have thrown a spanner into the works of Valencia’s Champions League challenge, and although they still sit third, it is very much a case of all to play for when they host Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night.

After exiting the Europa League last Thursday in the most frustrating circumstances against Atletico Madrid, Unai Emery’s side failed to bounce back against Mallorca, the side who presently sit equal fourth in the standings. Beaten 3-2 at the ONO Estadi, the door has suddenly been battered open for a whole variety of teams to suddenly ream of Europe’s premier club competition, and amongst them are the Basques.

Worryingly, rumours have surfaced of a rift between Emery and lynchpin midfielder Ever Banega, who reacted angrily to being substituted at the weekend, though these have since been denied by other members of the squad. What is certain is that the coach is looking for an improved performance in comparison to the weekend.

“We have to reflect deeply and more than ever collectively and individually evaluate,” Emery said after Sunday’s tame showing. “Today we have done many things wrong, many, some are correctable, but we cannot lose face and lose respect for the crest.”

Thursday’s encounter provides a quick chance for los Che’s players to right some wrongs, and restore their coach’s faith in the process.

Four Goal Thumping

Valencia go into this game on something of a low, but Athletic Bilbao’s emotions ahead of Thursday’s fixture could barely be more contrasting after they recorded a resounding 4-1 victory over Almeria on Sunday.

Los Leones’ third Liga success by such a margin this term, the Basques were in ruthless form as they moved to rebound quickly following a similarly heavy loss by Barcelona only a week previously. Central midfielder Javier Martinez was the hero, scoring the first and third goals, while Igor Gabilondo and Fernando Llorente, who also missed a first half penalty, also registered.

Following such an emphatic performance will be tough work for Joaquin Caparros’ outfit, but rouse themselves they must as Thursday’s match is a vitally important encounter for their season as a whole. Positioned only three points shy of the Champions League places, the San Mames side are not even guaranteed a Europa League place and may feel that they have to be conservative with their gambling.

Winless on the road since December, when they enjoyed a three-game winning run with respect to away games, Athletic have yet to defeat a top ten side away from home this season, scoring only four goals in their last nine Liga away trips. If La Primera’s ever presents are to move up a level, they must start competing in games such as Thursday’s.

FORM GUIDE

Valencia

LOST 3-2 (a) Mallorca (Liga, April 11)

DREW 0-0 (a) Atletico Madrid (Europa League, April 8)

WON 3-0 (h) Osasuna (Liga, April 4)

DREW 2-2 (h) Atletico Madrid (Europa League, April 1)

LOST 3-0 (a) Zaragoza (Liga, March 27)

Athletic

WON 4-1 (h) Almeria (Liga, April 11)

DREW 1-1 (h) Mallorca (Liga, April 4)

LOST 1-0 (a) Osasuna (Liga, March 28)

WON 1-0 (h) Zaragoza (Liga, March 24)

LOST 2-0 (a) Valencia (Liga, March 21)

TEAM NEWS

Valencia

Los Che just cannot shrug off their injury problems. David Navarro will lie low for the next three weeks because of a muscular concern, while Hedwiges Maduro will miss the midweek match and may also be sidelined for Sunday’s game against Real Madrid too.

Bruno continues his treatment, but may return to training just in time to come into contention, though Lillo and Joel Johnson are both ready to step into the void.

Carlos Marchena, Dealbert, Jeremy Mathieu and Miguel all remain absent. Manuel Fernandes was dismissed at the weekend and will be banned.

Probable Starting XI: Cesar; Joel, Alexis, Albelda, Jordi Alba; Michel, Banega; Pablo, Silva, Mata; Villa

Athletic

Iker Muniain and Oscar De Marcos are set to be left out of the squad so that they can help the reserve team, which is currently battling against relegation to the Tercera Division. There are no fresh injury concerns for the Bilbao club.

Probable Starting XI: Iraizoz; Iraola, San Jose, Amorebieta, Castillo; Susaeta, Iturraspe, Martinez, Gabilondo; Toquero, Llorente

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Valencia

In times of difficulty, teams generally look to their star players to rise to the fore, and in Valencia’s case that man is striker David Villa, who continues to capture the attention of many of Europe’s biggest clubs. The striker wasn’t used in the weekend loss and should be energised for what promises to be a bruising encounter for the home side.

Athletic

Javier Martinez is really starting to make a name for himself in the centre of los Leones’ midfield. The box-to-box midfielder scored his first ever professional brace on Sunday and has already provided his side with an impressive eight goals in all competitions this season. At 21-years-old, there is much to come from the Basque, and a strong performance against Valencia would only add to his burgeoning reputation.

PREDICTION

Unbeaten at home since mid-December, when Real Madrid exacted a 3-2 defeat upon Valencia, it’s difficult to see los Che failing to respond to the challenge presented to them by Athletic Bilbao. The Basques will be firing high on confidence after a good weekend result, but their away form is poor in the main and they will be doing well to pick up anything from this encounter.

Valencia 2-1 Athletic Bilbao