La Liga Preview: Malaga – Valencia

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Joaquin, Miku, Alcoyano, Valencia (MARCA)

Teams

Malaga
Valencia

Players

Mata
Xavi Torres

Kick-Off: Sunday, 01 November 2009, 19:00 CET – La Rosaleda, Malaga

It’s All Gone Wrong

After a comprehensive win over Atletico Madrid on Jornada 1, Malaga have subsequently stumbled all the way to the bottom of the table. Rooted to the foot of La Liga, Malaga have failed to gel in any cohesive fashion, resulting in a total of four points in 8 games – an extremely poor start for any club in the Spanish top-flight.

Competing with Villarreal for a chance to get out from under on match-day 8, the yellow submarine prevailed at La Roselda, leaving manager Juan Roman Muniz wondering what he was doing wrong before his side faced Real Zaragoza in Copa del Rey.

Again though, the young coach failed to dipose of a Zaragoza side who were wounded from a 6-1 drubbing at the hands of Barcelona. Whatever started out well for the Boquerones has gone from bad to worse, leaving supporters wondering if they will be playing their football in Segunda B next term.

Keep On Rollin’

Los Che hit a little bit of a stumbling block after an away defeat to a Getafe side struggling for consistent good form and picked up a few unfortunate draws in the aftermath of their shock loss in Madrid.

However, it appears that Valencia are doing their best to retain their top form which they have once again found. Impressive footballing displays leading to wins over Almeria and Alcoyano have shown that the lads in the bat-crested white shirts deserve their place near the top of the Primera Division.

However, Valencia boss Unai Emery will hope that David Villa’s recent European ban will not affect his domestic football. If the striker can keep his temper under control and avoid lashing out like he did against Slavia Prague, then Los Che fans will hope that their side will remain amongst the favourites to finish at the top of La Liga.

FORM GUIDE

Malaga

Oct 28 Real Zaragoza 1-1 Malaga (Copa del Rey)
Oct 25 Villarreal 2-1 Malaga (Liga)
Oct 18 Malaga 1-2 Almeria (Liga)
Oct 04 Deportivo Xerez 1-1 Malaga (Liga)
Sep 26 Malaga 0-2 Barcelona (Liga)

Valencia

Oct 28 CD Alcoyano 0-1 Valencia (Copa del Rey)
Oct 25 Almeria 0-3 Valencia (Liga)
Oct 22 Valencia 1-1 Slavia Prague (Europa League)
Oct 17 Valencia 0-0 Barcelona (Liga)
Oct 04 Racing Santander 0-1 Valencia (Liga)

TEAM NEWS

Malaga

Both Duda and Manolo Gaspar are doubts for the clash as both players have suffered recent muscle strains during training. Meanwhile, Helder Rosario has returned to full fitness after a small knock cast some doubt over his availability.

Probable Starting XI: Munua – Gamez, Weligton, Cuadrado, Manu Torres – Xavi Torres, Apono – Valdo, Duda, Luque – Edinho

Valencia

Los Che defender Alexis may have to sit this one out after suffering a nasal fracture during his side’s recent victory over CD Alcoyano. Again, Carlos Marchena is still waiting to fully recover from a muscle tear suffered during international duty against Almeria.

Probable Starting XI: Sanchez -