Rayo Vallecano vs Valencia preview - Sandoval aware of importance of Valencia clash

Rayo Vallecano coach Jose Ramon Sandoval has a fully-fit squad to choose from as his side host Valencia - but has warned his players that despite their good start to the season, their next three games will severely test their ability at this level.

The promoted side sit in the top half of the Primera Division having lost only one of their last five matches. However, after Valencia they are away to Barcelona before facing Atletico Madrid next weekend.

"Whoever plays against Valencia will have to give their all and then we will see what happens," Sandoval told a press conference.

"The match against Valencia is right now our principle focus and if we win the three points we can approach the other games in a different manner, with the confidence that will give us.

"That is why the first match is so important, but we know they are three teams of Champions League-level quality."

Valencia shook off the disappointment of defeat at home to Real Madrid last weekend to thrash Genk 7-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday.

However, despite being cut adrift from the top two in the league and having the chance to progress in Europe in two weeks' time when they face Chelsea, midfielder Pablo Hernandez has stressed the importance of their next two league fixtures.

He told the club's website: "Right now there are two games to play in the league [before the Chelsea match], and we are ready for a tough game against Rayo Vallecano.

"We need to beat them in order to keep up with the frontrunners.

"It's okay to have the journey to London in the back of our minds, but we should not get distracted and lose touch with Barcelona and Real Madrid as a result.

"Rayo play good football, they have come up from the second division and have the squad to stay up. It's going to be a tricky game."

Victor Ruiz had to be substituted at half-time against Genk and is a doubt with a slight hamstring strain, while Vicente Guaita's wrist injury should ensure another league start for Diego Alves in goal.