UEFA Champions League
Valencia vs Manchester United Preview
Mestalla Stadium, Valencia – Manchester United have an outside chance of snatching top spot in Champions League Group H when they face Valencia at Mestalla on Wednesday night.
Jose Mourinho’s side have already secured their place in the last 16 of the competition at the expense of their Spanish opponents, but could progress as group winners if they win and Juventus fail to beat Young Boys
Valencia go into Wednesday’s match already knowing their fate, with the Europa League awaiting them in the New Year.
Marcelino’s side have won just one of their five group games so far this season, with that coming at home against tournament debutants Young Boys last month.
Previous Encounters:
This will be the eighth Champions League meeting between Valencia and Manchester United, with the English club never previously having lost to the La Liga outfit (W2 D5 L0) in the competition, with their game on Matchday 2 of the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League ended 0-0 at Old Trafford.
View From Both Camps:
Marcelino (Valencia):
“We need to play the perfect match to win.”
“A club like this, a team like this, one of the most successful coaches in the world, with a huge investment, in the best club competition in the world we can expect them to perform at their highest level. We are here to prevent them from performing at their peak.”
“We will try to counteract their game by working together. They are a team that struggle to defend as a unit but are very strong in duels.”
Mourinho (Man United):
“Sometimes there is a perception, not in Valencia, all over the world, that the fans care more about the club than the professionals.”
“That is totally wrong. Nobody in Manchester, connected with Manchester, cares more about the club than myself. Three years ago, I was not in Manchester and far from being connected with Manchester. The professionals are the one that feel everything, every day, every second.”
“From my perspective as Valencia’s opponent, I think they are playing to have much more points than they have, always details, always a little unlucky, not scoring the points for the chances they have. I think they will improve and will pose to be tough opponents for us.”
Team News:
Former Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista could miss out for Valencia after going off with injury in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Sevilla.
Jeison Murillo and Kevin Gameiro are also likely to be out while full-back Jose Gaya is suspended.
As for Man United, Eric Bailly returned to training on Tuesday but Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw and Chris Smalling were all absent
Goalkeeper Sergio Romero is set to replace David de Gea while defenders Diogo Dalot and Matteo Darmian could be rested and Victor Lindelof and Alexis Sanchez are definitely sidelined through injury.
Predicted Lineups:
Valencia (4-4-2): Neto; Wass, Garay, Diakhaby, Gaya; Soler, Kondogbia, Parejo, Guedes; Batshuayi, Moreno.
Manchester United (4-3-3): Romero; Darmian, Smalling, Jones, Rojo; Fred, Pereira, Pogba; Mata, Lukaku, Rashforf.
Match Prediction:
Barring a shock result in Switzerland, these two only have pride to play for in this match. United will make changes, but they should still have enough to come away from Spain with something. A win for Valencia would prove to be nothing but a mere consolation.
Valencia 1-2 Manchester United
Photo credit to Donald Trump via Flickr
