La Liga Preview: Sevilla - Valencia

Valencia visit Andalucían outfit Sevilla this weekend; the encounter that is sure to be pick of round 12. Both sides have had their fair share of stunning form this term, barging through mid-table sides with relative ease. It is now time for both teams to face real title contenders, a prospect that makes the game all the more interesting.

Up for It?

Last week's encounter against Sporting Gijon at the Mestalla was a thrilling one. Despite not coming on top, Valencia controlled the majority of the game, bombing vigorously down the left and right flanks. Miguel was a powerhouse on the right wing, but was poor when it came to defending those decisive counterattacks.

Also on the right of the pitch, winger Joaquin Sanchez, who recently declared his desire to retire at former club Betis, showed off his skills by skipping past the forest of Gijon shirts. His final ball, though, was lacking, which left David Villa somewhat frustrated.

Although Unai Emery mastered his wing tactics, when it came to defending, Los Che were indeed very poor. The back four could not communicate with the midfield when it came to closing down attackers, leaving the defenders all over the place.

Morale is high at the Valencian camp, with no internal unrests between any players and their coach. Still, Sevilla won both encounters last year, one being that famous match where 55,00 Mestalla fans took out those white handkerchiefs and booed their mortified team off the pitch.

The coach will have a word or two with his men, who will have to pick up their act if they are to leave Andalucía with something meaningful. Valencia must go out for the win in to keep the pressure on their top four rivals, and not begin falling too far behind. This is, after all, their first real test.

Trouble Knocking

Jimenez’ men eased past Getafe last weekend, with a comfortable lead of two goals to nothing. Celebrations didn’t last too long though, as things took a turn from good to gloomy over the course of this week. The team have now been plagued with a series of injuries that could potentially affect the rest of Sevilla’s season.

In defence, Sevilla have been up to the challenge so far, conceding a mere eight goals in 11 games, the least conceded in the league so far (with Barcelona). Up front, scoring has been quite average, neither impressing nor depressing the coach. But, with the latest injury problems that Sevilla must deal with at the back, it remains to be seen whether or not they can continue to avoid shipping in masses of goals.

It will be an extremely congested month for the Rojiblancos, facing the Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Villarreal in consecutive order throughout early December. They also face Partizan Belgrade in the UEFA Cup, a match that they must take seriously after their loss in the opening group encounter against Standard Liege.

With only four fit defenders available for the clash against Valencia, the depth of the squad will surely be put to test. Jimenez will have to make wise decisions, as his character, rather than football tactics, will affect the future of his team. Looking at recent history, it is easy to say that Sevilla have the upper hand, having lost only one encounter in the last ten.

All team’s pass through those rough times where tricky matches either make or break their season; now it’s Sevilla’s turn.

FORM GUIDE

Sevilla

13/11/2008  Getafe-Sevilla   0-2 (La Liga)

13/11/2008  Sevilla-Ponferradina   4-0 (Copa del Rey)

09/11/2008  Sevilla-Recreativo   1-0 (La Liga)

06/11/2008  Standard Lieja-Sevilla  1-0 (UEFA Cup)

02/11/2008  Valladolid-Sevilla   3-2 (La Liga)

Valencia

15/11/2008 Valencia-Sporting Gijon 2-3 (La Liga)

12/11/2008 Valencia-Portugalete 3-0 (Copa Del Rey)

9/11/2008 Getafe-Valencia 0-3 (La Liga)

6/11/2008 Valencia-FC Kobenhavn 1-1 (UEFA Cup)

1/11/2008 Valencia-Racing Santander 4-2 (La Liga)

TEAM NEWS

Sevilla

Jimenez will be without four of his defenders, leaving just four players available for selection in the backline. He will be keeping in mind the difficult games in the league and cup, but knows that three points against Valencia are just as valuable as a win against another team. Luis Fabiano and Jesus Navas have been impressive lately, and should be given the nod as usual. Fazio has also been impressive in midfield, creating the kind of chances that lead to spectacular goals.

Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Palop - Konko, David Prieto, Squillaci, Fernando Navarro - Capel, Romaric, Fazio, Jesús Navas - Luis Fabiano, Frederic Kanouté

Valencia

Emery will have to do without the services of Vicente, with Ruben Baraja taking his place in midfield. Albeda has done well in slotting passes to wingers Mata and Joaquin. Morientes is unlikely to be given a start but could come in during the second half to shift things round a little.

Probable Starting XI (4-3-3): Renan - Miguel, Marchena, Albiol, Moretti - Albelda, Baraja, Fernandes - Joaquin, Mata, Villa

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Sevilla

Sevilla will be proud of having Jesus Navas down the right wing. His damaging runs forward will cause all sorts of problems for Moretti. Also, Frederic Kanoute is the kind of player that catches goals out of thin air, and could find himself the winner this time with a close range effort.

Valencia

As always, right back Miguel is the star of the bunch, doing exceptionally well when it comes to whipping in crosses. He will be joined by Joaquin Sanchez down the same wing, forming a very dangerous duo of attacking players. Keep an eye out for Ruben Baraja too, as his long shots are deadly when they are on target.

PREDICTION

Games of this calibre are usually very open and attack minded. With both teams level on points, it’s the winner who will have the last laugh. Remember, the Pizjuan is an extremely difficult stadium to play in, especially with the fans right up to the pitch. With all their injuries, it is difficult to see Sevilla edge their opponents, but they have the home advantage and have the winning mentality, which is why the have the upper hand.

Sevilla 3-3 Valencia

Feras Saad