European football preview: Barcelona v Valencia
Before the start of the season, many in Spain feared the worst for Valencia.
After losing their two star players, David Villa and David Silva, to Barcelona and Manchester City respectively and plagued with financial insecurities, it was widely-predicted that Los Che would struggle. However, six matches into the season and the doubters are already tucking into some humble pie. Not only are Unai Emery’s side unbeaten in the league - they’re currently top of the Primera Liga table.
This Saturday night they face their toughest task of the campaign so far - one which could severely dent their confidence unless they play to their strengths. Barcelona at the Nou Camp is about as difficult as it gets - as Valencia can vouch for.
In the last three league matches between the two clubs at the home of Barcelona, the hosts have scored a grand total of 13 goals and have conceded none. Los Che haven’t won at the home of the Catalan giants since 2003, but one suspects that there will be no better time to end their wretched recent record than this weekend.
Barça’s great rivals, Real Madrid, take a trip to Andalusia to face Malaga just after the final whistle is blown at the Nou Camp. José Mourinho boasts an unbeaten record in the league so far this season, and that’s unlikely to be brought to an end on Saturday night for one simple reason: Malaga have never beaten Europe’s most successful club.
Away from the Primera Liga, Germany’s Bundesliga is poised for another fascinating weekend of action.
Mainz have created the biggest stir in European football in the opening weeks of the new campaign after winning all seven of their league matches to date. Although every neutral is gunning for the club’s excellent and surprising start to continue this weekend, Hamburg will be intent on spoiling the party on Saturday afternoon.
While Mainz have been flying high at the top of the Bundesliga, May’s Champions League finalists Bayern Munich have endured a terrible start. With just eight points from their first seven matches, the pressure is increasing on Dutch manager Louis van Gaal, who has been at a loss to describe just why Bayern have been so abject lately. A win against third-place Hannover would certainly ease the focus on the under-fire coach this weekend.
Meanwhile, Steve McClaren’s Wolfsburg are bidding to continue their ascent up the league table with victory over fourth-place Bayer Leverkusen.
Saturday’s big match in Italy’s Serie A takes place at the San Siro, and features AC Milan against Chievo in a battle between fourth and fifth. Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri is finally getting his team of superstars to gel, and a third consecutive league victory could see the Rossoneri finish the weekend in top spot.
Cagliari host Inter Milan in Sunday’s standout fixture. With an in-form Samuel Eto’o in their ranks, the Nerazzurri are rightfully considered favourites. However, Cagliari shouldn’t be underestimated after their stunning 5-1 defeat of Roma last month.
And in France, all eyes will once again be on Lyon, as they take on third-place Lille. Last year’s Champions League semi-finalists have won just two of their first eight matches and languish in 17th place. In comparison, their opponents have shined this season. With a very talented group of players at their disposal, it promises to be a momentous campaign for Rudi Garcia’s side if they continue to make further strides forward.
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