UEFA Champions league Preview: Valencia vs. Manchester United
Trouble is looming around the Manchester United camp as they face their toughest challenge of the season so far, when they face Spanish giants Valencia in Spain. Valencia has been in the form of their life so far and have suffered just one loss in four La
Liga games in this season. Valencia also thrashed Turkish Champions Bursaspor 4-0 when United were held to a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford at the hands of Glasgow Rangers.
The Premier league giants would be under some heavy pressure when they would step on the pitch at Mestalla and with just a single point in the group stages so far, United would be looking for nothing less than a win. Ferguson’s team choice came under heavy
fire against the Rangers when he made 10 changes to his first team side that faced Everton in the premier league. That side could be considered as the second team and that team couldn’t do much than just taking aimless long distance shoots. The Scottish Champions
proved too much for the Premier league giants and were effectively able to dish out any attack. Ferguson would be expected to bring the best he can against Valencia as the side has recorded just one win in the past 18 visits to Spain but would have to do with
Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.
Valencia are in top form despite losing star players in the form of David Villa (Barcelona) and David Silva (Manchester City) and manager Unai Emery has still managed to top the La Liga table. Valencia finished 3rd last season behind Champions
Barcelona and Real Madrid but are unstoppable this season. They managed to thrash Bursaspor 4-0 in their Champions league opener. Valencia enjoy a superb 11-match unbeaten home record in European competitions so far which would create more problems for Manchester
United, who have managed just two wins in all competitions.
Historically, when Valencia last faced Manchester United in the Champions league, which was the second group stage in 00/01 season, the Spanish club won the group and managed to reach the finals. United’s performance may be hampered by the absence of key
players Wayne Rooney and Ryan Giggs. However, both the players had to be taken off in the premier league away clash against Bolton Wanderers over the weekend with Ryan Giggs ruled out of action for at least 2 weeks. Rooney was also seen with an ice pack on
his ankle and is expected to be out for a week or two.
Premier league player of the month Paul Scholes won’t feature in the match as well as the manager has confirmed that the 35-year-old will be rested. A decision on defender Rio Ferdinand has also not been reached as Ferguson needs to be careful on the injury
prone England skipper.
On the other hand, midfielder Michael Carrick may well be available, following his return from an Achilles tendon concern but the side would be without Antonio Valencia, having broken his ankle against Rangers.
For Valencia, the side would be without winger Joaquin owing to a reported thigh injury while midfielder Alejandro Dominguez would also be doubtful with a hip sprain. Star midfielder Juan Mata was in pain as well with his ankle but is still expected to player.
Valencia however has confirmed that the side wouldn’t be taking Ever Banega and Vicente Rodriguez owing to ankle and hamstring injuries respectively.
The main players to watch for United would be the top form striker Roberto Soldado, midfield menace Mehmet Topal and defensive lynchpin David Navarro.
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