La Liga Preview: Valencia – Racing Santander

Posted Monday, March 08, 2010 by Goal.com

David Silva, Valencia

Seeing Red

Having failed to make ground on Sevilla in the race for third spot last weekend, Valencia will attempt to increase the pressure on los Rojiblancos once again when they tackle out of form Racing Santander on Monday night.

Los Che were involved in a highly controversial encounter against Atletico Madrid last weekend, and matters at the Vicente Calderon certainly didn’t favour Unai Emery’s side. When David Silva put them ahead early there appeared to be no problems, but Valencia would soon capitulate, with the penalty which led to the dismissal of Carlos Marchena the major talking point.

The defender certainly handled the ball in the box, leading to Diego Forlan’s equalising penalty, but the manner in which referee Perez Burrull awarded the kick was questionable. With their backs pressed firmly against the wall, Valencia stayed in contention until Sergio Aguero’s 77th minute strike was swiftly followed by a second red card, this time to Miguel. A couple of late goals game the final score some polish it didn’t necessarily deserve.

Coach Emery has other suspension problems going into this fixture, so if the third placed side in La Liga are to make a swift recovery, they will have to do so with many fringe men involved. Nevertheless, they will consider three points against relatively weak opposition a realistic goal.

Finding Their Feet

After initially enjoying success under coach Miguel Angel Portugal, Racing Santander’s form has gradually tailed away over the course of the last two months. A series of draws was the first hint of trouble, but now los Racinguistas have lost all of their last three goals without even mustering a goal.

Though Racing have not exactly been impotent throughout Portugal’s relatively brief stint in charge, they’ve hardly been electrifying either, with the early sparkle of Sergio Canales slowly being worked out by opposing sides.

Relegation once again seems a real possibility for the Santander outfit. They charged clear of the drop zone around the festive period but have been slowly sucked back into the mix, with only five points now separating them from Valladolid and Tenerife, who are the top sides in the bottom three. Meanwhile, Zaragoza, who are also below Racing, are starting to gain a head of steam and will soon overtake Portugal’s men on present form.

Playing on Monday may only serve to increase the pressure on the Sardinero side. Should either of the strugglers pick up valuable points earlier in the weekend, there will be a real sweat on for Racing, who won’t relish a difficult looking trip to Valencia.

FORM GUIDE

Valencia

LOST 4-1 (a) Atletico Madrid (Liga, February 28)

WON 3-0 aet (h) Club Brugge (Europa League, February 25)

WON 2-1 (h) Getafe (Liga, February 22)

LOST 1-0 (a) Club Brugge (Europa League, February 18)

DREW 1-1 (a) Sporting Gijon (Europa League, February 13)

Racing

LOST 2-0 (h) Almeria (Liga, February 28)

LOST 4-0 (a) Barcelona (Liga, February 20)

LOST 3-0 (h) Malaga (Liga, February 14)

WON 3-2 (h) Atletico Madrid (Copa del Rey, February 11)

DREW 1-1 (h) Atletico Madrid (Liga, February 7)

TEAM NEWS

Valencia

Suspensions are almost more of a concern to los Che than injuries. Carlos Marchena and Miguel are both consigned to the stands after their weekend red cards, but they are joined by Ever Banega and Cesar Sanchez.

In terms of injuries, Joaquin has been suffering from tonsillitis and must be considered a doubt. Bruno and David Albelda continue their work towards the first team, and the former is hopeful of making a return. Jeremy Mathieu remains a long-term concern for los Che. David Navarro is not expected back until the end of this month.

Probable Starting XI: Moya; Bruno, Maduro, Dealbert, Alexis; Fernandes, Michel; Joaquin, Silva, Mata; Villa

Racing

Xisco is banned for los Racinguistas. Tono and Marc Torrejon remain sidelined. The likes of Sergio Canales and Medhi Lacen have been passed fit after worries over their condition late last week.

Probable Starting XI: Coltorti; Pinillos, Henrique, Oriol, Christian; Colsa, Lacen; Munitis, Canales, Serrano; Tchite

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Valencia

The whole defensive unit of Valencia has had to be totally restructured due to a variety of reasons. Miguel Fernandes has found himself out of the team in recent times due to the form of Ever Banega, but now is his chance to stamp his authority on the position once again. In a makeshift unit, any positive contribution will be warmly welcomed.

Racing

It’s likely that Racing will come under a fair degree of pressure on Monday night, so goalkeeper Fabio Coltorti will have to be on top of his game to shut out los Che. The Swiss isn’t even first choice at the club, though Tono’s injury will give him another chance to impress. A shut-out would be a remarkable achievement.

PREDICTION

Valencia may not have their selection problems to seek, but many of these are in their defensive unit. Despite missing so many players, they can boast an armada of dangerous attackers and will fancy their chance of defeating a Racing side who are moving rapidly in the wrong direction. It’s not an especially clear-cut thing, but the home side’s quality in the final third should be the difference.

Valencia 2-1 Racing Santander