Valencia

Silva To Start As Sub Against Atlético Madrid

David Silva looks as though he is going to start on the bench against Atlético Madrid this evening, despite the fact he is recovered from his injury...

3 Jan 2009 11:52:19

Copa del Rey: Silva - Valencia-Atletico de Madrid (Marca)

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It's been a tough season for David Silva so far, with the mercurial winger getting injured on the first day against Real Mallorca, and not starting a match since.

Indeed, even now he is fully fit, it looks as though it will take him a while to get back into the first eleven, with Marca reporting that he will start on the bench against Atlético Madrid this evening.

The move will probably mean that Juan Mata will retain his place in the starting side, and Silva will probably come off the bench in the second-half.

Following his return to the squad he has only made substitute appearances, first against Espanyol in early December, then against Saint-Etienne, and most recently against Real Madrid.

If Silva were to return to the side it would more than likely mean a formation change back to a 4-4-2, which they started the season with, from the 4-3-3 Unai Emery has utilised lately.

The coach is one of the few at the moment who knows why Silva is not starting matches, but he will no doubt be pleased to have him as a weapon from the bench.

Against the unreliable defence of Atlético the Spanish winger will fancy his chances of creating opportunities for his forwards, and it would not be a surprise if his introduction changes the match.

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com