Match Previews

Match Preview: Valencia CF vs Manchester United

The final round fixtures in Champions League group stages always contain a few dead rubbers, with this clash being one – as two under pressure bosses in Marcelino García Toral and José Mourinho meet in the Mestalla.

Struggling in La Liga despite an impressive campaign last term, Valencia know that they will be playing Europa League football come February, while white handkerchiefs were brought out in the Mestalla on Saturday evening due to the team’s poor form. On the other hand, United have climbed back up into the high echelons of the Premier League table thanks to a weekend win.

It may not matter too much in the grand scheme of things but both of these teams know a victory would be vital for confidence.

Kick-off: 20:00 [GMT]
Venue: Estadio de Mestalla
Referee: Geirgi Kabakov

Other Group H fixture: BSC Young Boys vs Juventus – 20:00 [GMT]

Reverse fixture result: 0-0 (2/10/18)

Los Che

Group H position: 3rd

Form: DWLLW

Top scorers: Kévin Gamiero/Santi Mina/Daniel Parejo [2]

Most assists: Daniel Parejo/Rodrigo [2]

One to watch: Carlos Soler

Injuries/suspensions (estimated return)

  • Gaya – suspended (next match)
  • Gonçalo Guedes – knock (unknown)
  • Kévin Gamiero – groin (day to day)
  • Jeison Murillo – ankle (unknown)
  • Gabriel Paulista – hamstring (day to day)

Expected lineup

(4-4-2) Neto; Piccini, Diakhaby, Garay, Lato; Soler, Parejo, Coquelin, Cheryshev; Rodrigo, Mina.

Key quote

“[on the pressure he is currently under from owner Peter Lim] I understand that he has doubts, we all have doubts and when you do not win, that happens. The solution is to win, and the owner will be the one who makes the final decisions.” Marcelino García Toral

Next match: Eibar [A] 15/12/18

The Red Devils

Talking points

A surprising dropping of points from Juventus in Bern is the only hope United have of finishing top of the group, while Valencia are guaranteed to finish 3rd in the group – making this game far from the most meaningful.

Four goals and only one conceded against 20th place meant United gained some confidence at the weekend, but the visit to Anfield on Sunday afternoon will show if Mourinho’s men have turned a corner.

Rotation is expected in the starting XI and that will allow for fringe players to be selected and regulars to be rested.

Paul Pogba remains a hot topic but will play some part in the encounter according to Mourinho.

Youngsters James Garner (who will start on the bench) and Mason Greenwood (likely to come if any “problems” arise) have deservedly included in the squad following their outstanding displays this season.

Andreas Pereira spent a prosperous season on loan at Valencia last campaign. The out-of-favour Portuguese midfielder featured on the right wing most of the time, helping The Bats achieve a fourth placed finish.

Juan Mata also spent time at the Mestalla before his England move; making 129 appearances over four seasons.

A shock statement from agent Jorge Mendes claiming United are ‘very happy’ with Mourinho sent the media into a frenzy over the weekend, but the boss only had this to say: “I didn’t know it was coming and I don’t care about it.”

Injuries/suspensions (estimated return)

  • Diogo Dalot – knock (unknown)
  • Matteo Darmian – knock (unknown)
  • Victor Lindelöf – hamstring (three weeks)
  • Anthony Martial – thigh (unknown)
  • Alexis Sánchez – hamstring (five weeks)
  • Luke Shaw – knock (unknown)
  • Chris Smalling – foot (unknown)

Expected lineup

(4-2-3-1) Romero; Valencia, Bailly, Rojo, Young; Fred, Pogba; Mata, Lingard, Rashford; Lukaku.

Key quote

“We have players that need to play and players that deserve to play. We left some players in Manchester but we will play with a team of players from the first team only.” – José Mourinho

Next match: Liverpool [A] 16/12/18

Potential key battles

Rodrigo vs Eric Bailly

Daniel Parejo vs Fred

Ezequiel Garay vs Marcus Rashford

Match facts [credit: FotMob]

  • This will be the eighth Champions League meeting between Valencia and Manchester United, with the English club never previously having lost to the Spanish outfit (W2 D5 L0) in the competition
  • Valencia have won just one of their previous nine competitive meetings with United; that coming in the UEFA Cup in September 1982 (2-1)
  • If United fail to score against Valencia, it will be the first time since 2008-09 against Villarreal that they have failed to score both home and away against a group stage opponent
  • Los Che have lost four of their last six Champions League games at the Mestalla Stadium (W2), having not lost any of their previous nine games there before this run
  • The Red Devils 1-0 victory against Young Boys last time out marked the 17th occasion that Mourinho has won by that exact scoreline in the Champions League – only Carlo Ancelotti (24) and Sir Alex Ferguson (21) have done so more often

Enjoy the match!



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