donkostaეს ნახე
La Liga Preview: Valencia – Albacete
4/23/2005 3:21:00 PM
It's increasingly become a win or bust baptism for Antonio Lopez since replacing Ranieri in the Ches hot seat, yet he remains upbeat about the chances of success this season despite some ominous results.
BACKGROUND
The writing could soon be on the wall (with the club going to the wall in a competitive sense) should Valencia continue to avoid victory in eminently winnable matches, and all the while their competitors drive on.
Hugely disappointing draws against Malaga and doomed Mallorca may prove to be disastrous come May. Although the Mestalla outfit or only three points off the Champions League places, they could and perhaps should be a point clear in third. A massive opportunity has fallen by the wayside.
There are also problems in the camp. Di Vaio’s substitution outburst and belated apology may have moved him closer to his Italian colleagues outside the summer exit door, while Pablo Aimar’s self-withdrawal the on the eve of the Son Moix stalemate allegedly ruffled feathers amid the Ches coaching staff. Injuries have always been a blotch on the Valencia career of the little Argentine, but it now seems his dedication is being called into question.
Still, Antonio Lopez remains confident, and has his thoughts firmly fixed on this weekend’s match. ”We have been talking about Albacete from Monday, we think we know their strong and weak points. We have good feelings, harmony and we are willing to win. All the other things are utopias and trifles.”
However, Valencia’s lack of serenity and consistency flies in the face of those who claimed both values were instantly redeemed once Ranieri received his marching orders. Out of the CL hopefuls, Lopez’s side are currently going through the worst moment. Villarreal and Betis will continue to rack up the points, Espanyol look in better shape, and Sevilla have showed great nerves and belief in recovering from a slump that may have let Valencia back in the hunt. Now Atletico Madrid, Zaragoza and Bilbao are breathing down Ches necks from below, and failure to win against Segunda-bound Albacete (who sport six consecutive Liga defeats) could lead to disastrous mid-table embarrassment for the defending Liga champions.
Lopez knows what’s needed, “We want to recover that Valencia who played against Betis, against Madrid, it’s our idea and I think we’ll finally get it.”
'Finally’ surely needs to be Sunday, 5pm at the Mestalla. Unfortunately, recent showings suggest theory and application have been divorced from each other. If the team fails to click, yet again, the outlook becomes increasingly bleak for the club’s immediate future.
TEAM NEWS
Valencia. Butelle could be maintained between the sticks – a sign that the faltering champs are already planning for a far brighter future. Aimar may be benched as a statement of intent from the coach and board, while Vicente will be alongside him as he nears full fitness. So Lopez should field a front two with Mista partnering one of the Italian strikers.
Albacete. Half a dozen losses in a row will no doubt make the coach wonder if it really matters who he picks for this one. Full back Montiel could return to the side, with forwards Francisco and Castro pushing to partner Pacheco up front.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Mista. If Di Vaio has booked a ticket back to Italy with his antics, this Spanish hitman is the individual best placed to fire the Ches into the CL. If he is given quality service and, more importantly, a guaranteed starting spot he can put a rare smile on the faces of the Mestalla faithful.
Raul Valbuena. The poor ‘keeper defends the goal of the worst form team currently in the league. Much will depend on him in terms of whether this encounter is a nervy or comfortable outing for the hosts.
PROBABLE TEAMS
Valencia (4-4-2): Butelle/Canizares, Carboni, Ayala, Marchena, Caneira, Aurelio, Albelda, Sissoko, Angulo, Mista, Di Vaio/Corradi
Subs: Palop, Navarro, Xisco, Rufete, Vicente, Aimar
Albacete (4-4-2): Valbuena, Montiel, Pena, Buades, Agus, Alvaro, Viaud, David, Momo, Pacheco, Mikel
Subs: Gaspercic, Santi, Redondo, Diaz, Castro, Francisco
PREDICTION
Valencia 1 – 0 Albacete
(Mestalla, Valencia
მიმაგრებული სურათი
· 
VALENCIA FAN CLUB, მსოფლიოში უძლიერესი კლუბის ფან კლუბი
