Valencia eye qualification
Posted Thursday, October 22, 2009 by PA
Valencia will attempt to take a significant step towards the Europa League round of 32 on Thursday night when they host a struggling Slavia Prague side who prop up the standings in Group B.
Whereas Slavia have lost both of their matches so far, Valencia have taken four points from their fixtures against Lille and Genoa and currently lead the group alongside the French side.
Los Che now have a good chance to further strengthen their position and will be in buoyant mood after becoming the first team to take points off Barcelona in La Liga at the weekend when they held the champions to a goalless draw at the Mestalla.
Despite that impressive result though, Valencia coach Unai Emery could again ring the changes for the visit of Slavia and youngster Jordi Alba is hoping he will get the chance to shine.
"To have made your debut in the Europa League is something to be proud of and I now want to do it at the Mestalla," said the 20-year-old left winger, who featured in Valencia's 1-1 draw with Lille in France.
"I think I have a chance but the coach could go for (Jeremy) Mathieu. You have to respect his decision and I must continue working hard to play as many minutes as possible."
With regards to tomorrow's game, Alba added: "I'm sure that it's going to be difficult but, if we do things well, we can win."
Emery, who will name his squad for the match on Thursday, could welcome back star striker David Villa after he missed the Barcelona game through injury, but there are doubts surrounding David Silva, Joaquin, Carlos Marchena, Manuel Fernandes and Nacho Gonzalez.
Reigning Czech champions Slavia have suffered a miserable start to their bid to reach the next round of the Europa League, losing 2-0 away to Genoa in their opening Group B fixture and then being thrashed 5-1 at home to Lille.
That loss to Lille was Slavia's heaviest home defeat in a UEFA competition and left Karel Jarolim's side bottom of the group.
It also means the Czech outfit have now only won one of their last 21 European fixtures - a 3-0 triumph over Red Star Belgrade in this season's Europa League play-offs - but despite that Emery is anticipating a tough contest for his side.
"They have good attacking weapons and, if we don't give our best, they could overcome us," he said.
"If we win, we will be close to getting into the next round."
- Tag:
Photos
More»Arabella Chi looks sensational as she flashes her bum in thong bikini
Friday March 29 2024'WC's Sexiest Fan' Ivana Knoll set to steal limelight...
Friday March 29 2024Glam TV host Diletta Leotta begs Loris Karius to QUIT Newcastle
Thursday March 28 2024
Your Say