La Liga Preview: Almeria - Valencia

A Case Of Dry Goal-Mouth

They brought the pain to Malaga last weekend, put up a huge fight at the Nou Camp - losing only 1-0 to the Spanish champions - and haven't lost at home all season. Almeria may be low on goals, but they're high on spirit.

After their trip to Barca, the Andalucians will feel that they can stand up to the Spanish superpowers that be, Valencia included. Adding to their pre-Los Che optimism is the fact that Valencia haven't managed to score more than a single goal in any of their previous three games.

Soaring high on morale and boasting home advantage, Almeria will fancy their chances against a struggling Valencian side.

Time For Action

Facing a lesser known team than themselves in Slavia Prague on Thursday night, Los Che were bolstered by David Villa's return - even if he was to start on the bench. Struggling for goals throughout the game, Villa was finally introduced with 30 minutes remaining.

Unai Emery would have hoped that sending Villa into the fray would have resulted in home win for his boys, especially after seeing the Spain international rattle the woodwork with a stunning free-kick soon after taking to the pitch.

However, the diminutive striker tarnished his reputation on 85 minutes, lashing out with a kick at Benjamin Vomacka. Villa saw red and Emery saw his chances of three points dissolve in front of his eyes. Struggling for wins this month, Los Che will look at the game against Almeria as their chance to get back on the victory horse.

FORM GUIDE

Almeria

Oct 18 Malaga 1-2 Almeria (Liga)

Oct 03 Barcelona 1-0 Almeria (Liga)

Sep 27 Almeria 2-2 Racing Santander (Liga)

Sep 23 Atletico Madrid 2-2 Almeria (Liga)

Sep 20 Almeria 1-0 Getafe (Liga)

Valencia

Oct 22 Valencia 1-1 Slavia Praha (Europa League)

Oct 17 Valencia 0-0 Barcelona (Liga)

Oct 04 Racing Santander 0-1 Valencia (Liga)

Oct 01 Valencia 3-2 Genoa (Europa League)

Sep 26 Valencia 2-2 Atletico Madrid (Liga)

TEAM NEWS

Almeria

Fabian Vargas is still an obvious no-show this weekend, the Columbian facing a spell on the sidelines until as late as March 2010 after suffering a broken ankle during last month's World Cup Qualifier against Ecuador.

Probable Starting XI: Diego Alves - S. Acasiete, Domingo Cisma, Chico, Míchel - M. M'bami, H. Bernardello, A. Crusat, F. Soriano - Juanma Ortiz, P. Piatti

Valencia

Hot tempered David Villa will no doubt make a full start for his club side on Sunday, after recovering from a knock. Meanwhile, Carlos Marchena is still out for a month, meaning Ever Banega is likely to marshal central midfield.

Probable Starting XI: M. Moya - H. Maduro, Miguel, J. Mathieu, D. Navarro -  Dealbert, D. Silva, E. Banega, P. Hernández - D. Villa, N. Zigic

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Almeria

At the tender age of 20, young forward Pablo Piatti is fast becoming one of Almeria's key players. After initially struggling under Hugo Sanchez, the Argentine has shown this season why he should be an undisputed starter for the club.

Valencia

For the visitors, another young Argentine is one to keep an eye on. In the absence of Carlos Marchena, 21-year-old Ever Banega has been given a chance to improve on his already impressive performances in the centre of midfield this season.

PREDICTION

Almeria have certainly started the season well, but Valencia will have something to prove, having not won in 3 games. With that in mind, expect a spirited performance from both sides but Valencia to show more class when it comes to cutting edge.

Almeria 1-2 Valencia

Stephen Crawford, Goal.com