La Liga Preview: Osasuna - Valencia

Los Che have won their last three league matches, but face an uphill task to keep their run going in Pamplona…

Nov 21, 2009 1:00:06 PM

More On :  Osasuna, Valencia CF, Osasuna vs Valencia CF
Mata, Pablo Hernandez, David Villa, Valencia, Zaragoza (MARCA)
Kick Off: Sunday, November 22, 21.00 CET
Estadio Reyno de Navarra, Pamplona

Home Comforts

Due to Gerard Pique’s injury time own-goal, Osasuna are one of only two sides to have taken points off Barcelona so far. The other, coincidentally, is Valencia. Unfortunately for Rojillos coach Jose Antonio Camacho, his side followed up the impressive performance at home to the champions with a dismal showing against Almeria.

For Osasuna, this has always been the way. The Basque club struggle on the road – they picked up just two wins away from home last season. However, the Estadio Reyno de Navarra has always been a difficult place for teams to pick up points, with the hosts backed by their vocal fans.

If the top clubs aren’t on top form, Osasuna have shown already this season that they can take advantage. Camacho has seen his team dispatch an awful Atletico Madrid side with ease, while taking points off both Villarreal and Barcelona. Should los Che falter, they could find themselves succumbing to the same fate.

Quality In Attack

As the next transfer window inches closer, the inevitable rumours surrounding Valencia’s star players return. Club president Manuel Llorente has played down the idea that they will sell the likes of David Villa or David Silva, but los Che’s attack is becoming increasingly attractive for other clubs to harvest.

While Villa and Silva are both established in Vicente Del Bosque’s Spanish squad, they have been joined on the international scene by Pablo Hernandez, who scored against Austria in midweek and Juan Manuel Mata. There is great quality in this quartet, as well as real pace that allows Unai Emery’s side to play an effective counter-attacking game.

Cesar Azpilicueta warned his Osasuna team-mates that Valencia are a particularly dangerous side away from home due to their tactics, and Camacho will have to ensure he does not make the same mistake as Real Zaragoza coach Marcelino. In Valencia’s last league match, Zaragoza played with a bizarrely high defensive line, with the result that they were 3-0 down by half-time. As a former coach of la Furia Roja, Camacho will know the dangers that international stars pose all too well.

FORM GUIDE

Osasuna

November 10 v Xerez (H) – WON 1-0 (Copa del Rey)

November 8 v Almeria (A) – LOST 2-0 (La Liga)

October 31 v Barcelona (H) – DREW 1-1 (La Liga)

October 28 v Xerez (A) – WON 2-1 (Copa del Rey)

October 25 v Racing Santander (A) – DREW 1-1 (La Liga)

Valencia

November 10 v Alcoyano (H) – DREW 2-2 (Copa del Rey)

November 8 v Real Zaragoza (H) – WON 3-1 (La Liga)

November 5 v Slavia Prague (A) – DREW 2-2 (Europa League)

November 1 v Malaga (A) – WON 1-0 (La Liga)

October 28 v Alcoyano (A) – WON 1-0 (Copa del Rey)

TEAM NEWS

Osasuna

Juanfran has been suffering from swine flu but is determined to take part against Valencia. Sergio Fernandez, Miguel Flano, Javad Nekounam and Walter Pandiani have all returned to training.

Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Ricardo; Azpilicueta, Flano, Josetxo, Monreal; Juanfran, Nekounam, Punal, Camunas; Aranda, Pandiani.

Valencia

David Silva is suffering from a slight knock and may not be risked. Nacho Gonzalez and Vicente are still sidelined, but Cesar is fit again.

Probable Starting XI (4-3-3): Cesar; Bruno, Dealbert, Navarro, Mathieu; Marchena, Albelda, Banega; Pablo, Villa, Mata.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Walter Pandiani (Osasuna)

‘El Rifle’ has shown throughout his career that he does not need many chances to score. The Uruguayan has already scored six goals for Osasuna this season, and Valencia’s occasionally fragile defence could allow him to add to that tally on Sunday.

David Villa (Valencia)

Arguably the best striker in the world, ‘El Guaje’ has been in lethal form this season for both club and country. Villa’s ability to play between the lines and create space for himself and his team-mates have helped Unai Emery to create a deadly attacking force.

PREDICTION

Osasuna are a tough nut to crack at home, but Valencia should edge this one.

Osasuna 0-1 Valencia

Anthony Wright, Goal.com
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