Valladolid vs Valencia preview - Feghouli eyes cure to road woe

Posted Sunday, November 11, 2012 by PA

Sofiane Feghouli is desperate to end Valencia's abysmal run on the road this season when they travel to the Estadio Jose Zorrilla to face Valladolid on Sunday morning.

Los Che have collected just one point from their opening five matches on their travels this season although their home record of four wins and a draw has ensured they still occupy a place in the Primera Division's top half.

Yet for a team that has finished behind only Barcelona and Real Madrid in the last three seasons, midfielder Feghouli knows Valencia cannot afford to let their poor away form continue.

"It is true that we are not playing away from home as we want, but we have to keep on working," he told reporters.

"I think it's a mental problem, because we have the qualities to beat a lot of teams. We should not lose humility and keep putting in the effort."

Valencia, who beat BATE Borisov in the Champions League in midweek, go into Sunday's clash level on points with Valladolid but are one place behind their rivals due to an inferior goal difference.

And while Feghouli is convinced Valencia are more than a match for anyone in the top flight, he does not want the team to rest on their laurels.

"You have to respect every team. On paper Valencia are superior, but on the field it is another matter. Valladolid will be giving 200 percent, will be tight and will have important motivation," he added.

"We have to play at the highest level, because there is no easy game in the league."

Valladolid coach Miroslav Djukic would be surprised if Valencia's struggles continued and expects them to be competing for a Champions League spot as the season progresses.

However, he is adamant his side can cause them problems.

"Clearly it's going to be a tough game for both teams," the Serbian told the club's official website.

Valladolid have been hit by the withdrawal of Marc Valiente, who will miss his side's next two matches with a hamstring injury and joins fellow defender Henrique Sereno (shoulder) and midfielder Patrick Ebert (wrist) on the sidelines.