Liga Preview: Valencia v Real Madrid
Two in-form sides collide at the Mestalla as Valencia host Real Madrid in the season's first heavyweight encounter.
Two in-form sides collide at the Mestalla as Valencia host Real Madrid in the season's first heavyweight encounter.
Los Ches turned in an accomplished performance in last Saturday's demolition of Real's city rivals Atletico, winning 3-0 thanks to Vicente and Mista (2). But it was the inspired performance of Pablo Aimar that won the day. The Argentine set up all three goals to remind everyone that he still remains one of La Liga's top playmakers. Some may have forgotten this after his average campaign last season.
On Wednesday, a Valencia side missing key centre-backs Mauricio Pellegrino and Roberto Ayala won 1-0 away to AIK Solna in the Uefa Cup thanks to Riccardo Olivera's first goal for the club.
"It has been a good performance," said coach Rafa Benitez after the game. "A complete performance. The goal gives us the advantage, but it wasn't an easy game.
"In the second-half we could have scored a few times, but were careful not to concede a goal."
David Beckham and Esteban Cambiasso continue to occupy the 'bank of two' in front of the back-four, but what if either were to get injured for any length of time? Guti can step in, but otherwise there is little to speak of. President Florentino Perez is known to have much faith in youngster Borja Fernandez, however.
The Merengues were convincing again last week as they beat Malaga 3-1 at La Rosaleda. Ronaldo, Beckham (another fine free-kick) and Guti were the men who did the damage.
LATEST TEAM NEWS
Valencia: Albelda and Jorge Lopez re-enter the eleven after they were banned and ineligible respectively for the AIK game. Canizares and Aimar also start. Mista is likely to get the nod ahead of Olivera after his two goals last week. Ayala, who signed a new contract this week, returns and will start.
Real Madrid: Zidane will start the game after recovering from a knock, but Raul has not made it and won't figure. Helguera has a fever and also will not play.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Valencia: Cañizares, Curro Torres, Ayala, Marchena, Carboni, Jorge López, Albelda, Baraja, Vicente, Aimar, Mista.
Real Madrid: Casillas, Salgado, Pavón, Raúl Bravo, Roberto Carlos, Beckham, Cambiasso, Figo, Guti, Zidane, Ronaldo.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Pablo Aimar (Valencia): after his superb display last week, all eyes will be on Aimar.
Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid): the Frenchman has shaken off an injury and will turn out for the Merengues.