Getafe vs Valencia preview - Garcia wary of Valencia threat

Posted Saturday, March 24, 2012 by PA

Getafe manager Luis Garcia insists that despite a poor recent run Valencia remain the third best team in Spain.

Valencia have won just three of their 12 league games since the winter break and were surprisingly beaten at home by Real Zaragoza on Wednesday night, but Garcia expects a similar performance to the one they showed in beating Athletic Bilbao 3-0 last weekend when they travel to the capital to face his side.

He told the club's website, "I expect the Valencia that won 3-0 in San Mames against Athletic, that last year finished third and won here thanks to four goals from Roberto Soldado and that is still the best team in Spain behind the two giants.

"I expect the best Valencia, but I also expect a good Getafe, a competitive side and one that is continuing the good dynamic we have. We have 10 games left, six of them at home and we have to take advantage of them."

Pedro Leon remains out injured and Abdel Barrada is a doubt so Pedro Rios and Jaime Gavilan could retain their place from the side that drew 0-0 with Osasuna in midweek.

Valencia boss Unai Emery has called on the club's fans to show the players more support.

The final whistle has been met by boos in each of Los Che's last three home games and Emery believes that could be affecting his players.

He told Marca, "They need to move forward. Demand yes, but we have to see if one day they are going to lift us in a game. I have never said anything against my bosses, and those are they fans, but at times their constant nature can cost the players."

Emery is also less concerned about Valencia's away form as they have won their last two matches on the road.

"The team is on two paths. Away from home, where we are solid in our play and above all in our results and the other at home where, curiously, in the last two games where we have had more of the play and created more, we haven't won."

Victor Ruiz should return to partner Adil Rami in defence as Angel Dealbert has been left out of the squad, whilst Tino Costa is also back from suspension.