Jose Angel ‘Cuco’ Ziganda takes his unbeaten Osasuna side to the Mestalla for a duel with an undefeated Valencia.
Los Che are fresh from victory in Madeira on Thursday evening, where Unai Emery rested a number of players in view of the this encounter. The 36 year old coach knows turning the Mestalla into a fortress will be crucial if the club is to enjoy an upturn in Liga fortunes this term.
Rotation in Portugal
Despite Maritimo’s underdog status and poor domestic form, the Funchal based club that finished 5th in the BWIN Liga last season were never going to be pushovers, and it proved the case.
Valencia were fortunate to come away with victory, with the hosts hitting the woodwork twice and going close on other occasions, though Emery will feel his charges should have managed more than the one goal.
El Moro's brilliant effort proved enough to take an advantage back to Spain. The match also showed the former Almeria coach’s willingness to substantially tinker with the line-up in a potentially difficult match.
Fernando Morientes may have done enough with his winning strike in Funchal to force Emery’s hand into playing two strikers in future, and maybe even this weekend, given David Villa's injury. Valencia’s attacking midfield contingent struggled badly against Almeria, with both Mata and Pablo replaced after difficult evenings, while Joaquin burst into life only sporadically, not least due to playing in a bizarre central role.
With Silva out, and Vicente’s continuing fitness problems, huge doubts remain over whether Emery has the tools to play his favoured 4-4-1-1 system. Morientes spoke early in the season about being resigned to a bench role, while there have also been rumours of a possible departure. He could prove an important and unexpected cog in the tactical wheel for the next couple of months, as Silva recovers.
The only black mark from Portugal is a big one - the temporary loss of star striker David Villa. He was introduced somewhat needlessly by Emery, and it's backfired. For now, Morientes will be key no matter what the formation.
As I have said before, and some have disagreed, Valencia have a pretty soft opening to the season in terms of fixtures, compared to many other teams. Journeys to Malaga, Recre and Valladolid and home games against Depor and Numancia follow this match with Los Rojillos. There's a great chance to rack up ther points.
After beating an albeit poor Mallorca so convincingly on opening weekend, Valencia will be desperate to maintain the 100% home record, and put to bed the negative murmurings that followed the disjointed performance in Almeria.
Portillo Pushing
It’s been a solid if winless start for the Basque outfit, but Ziganda must be confident that victories will follow.
Osasuna were among the many party spoilers on opening day, coming back at home to hold Villarreal. Already, this is the club’s second consecutive away match, but the coach will be quietly confident of upsetting Los Che after taking a point from Mallorca last weekend
At the ONO Estadi, Javier Portillo again started from the bench, as Ziganda favoured **** Sola to partner Santi Ezquerro.
However, the Real Madrid youth product came on to secure a point, with just six minutes to play. His goals will be important if Osasuna are to enjoy a trouble free campaign.
FORM GUIDE
Valencia
WON 1-0 (A) Maritimo (18 Sept – UEFA Cup 1st round 1st leg)
DREW 2-2 (A) Almeria (14 Sept – La Liga)
WON 2-0 (H) Mallorca (30 Aug – La Liga)
LOST 4-2 (A) Real Madrid (Aug 24 - Spanish Super Cup)
WON 3-2 (H) Real Madrid (Aug 17 - Spanish Super Cup)
Osasuna
DREW 1-1 (A) Mallorca (14 Sept - La Liga)
DREW 1-1 (H) Villarreal (31 Aug - La Liga)
WON 4-1 (H) Vitesse Arnhem (23 Aug - Friendly)
DREW 0-0 (H) Numancia (20 Aug - Friendly
WON 2-1 (H) Racing Santander (16 Aug - Friendly)
TEAM NEWS
Valencia
Moretti is likely to return at left back after Del Horno came in on Thursday, likewise Albiol for Helguera at centre-back. Marchena returned to training earlier in the week and may get a spot on the bench.
Morientes should lead the line, with either Angulo or Mata just behind. Fitness problems continue to dog Baraja and Vicente.
More team news to follow.
Possible Starting XI: Renan – Miguel, Albiol, Alexis, Moretti – Joaquin, Fernandes, Albelda, Mata - Angulo-Morientes
Osasuna
Portillo is in line to usurp Kiki in the striker’s role, just ahead of Ezquerro. Ziganda should go for a conservative central midfield, though Hector Font and Iranian talent Shojaei are options – the latter should at least see some action from the bench.
Miguel Flano took no part last weekend, but should be restored in central defence.
More news to follow.
Possible Starting XI: Ricardo - Azpilicueta, Miguel Flaño, Rovérsio, Monreal - Juanfran, Punal, Nekounam, Plasil - Ezquerro - Portillo
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Valencia: Manuel Fernandes was among those left out in his native Portugal, meaning he should get another chance to convince Emery he is the missing link in the troublesome Che midfield. As we all know, the former Benfica prospect has bags of quality, but can be a frustrating watch. His confidence will surely be growing, but he needs to start fulfilling the faith shown in him, as well as the hefty price tag.
Osasuna: The visitors will look to hit the Mestalla men on the break, and Javier Portillo will probably be the man relied upon to spoil another party. He will look to, and is perfectly capable, of creating confusion in a centre-back pairing of Alexis and Albiol that still has some question marks hovering over it.
PREDICTION
Collective confidence is on fire, and Valencia will need to deliver against a sturdy, well-drilled Osasuna. The visitors will put up a real fight, and will not be perturbed by longs spells of opposition domination. It would be tough to see a way back if they go a goal down though.
It could be close and Valencia may well be frustrated early on, and without Villa it will be tough, but the odds favour Los Che keeping the early season bandwagon rolling on.
Valencia 2 - 1 Osasuna
John Rowlands, Goal.com