Mallorca vs Valencia preview - Casadesus hails Mallorca's attacking options

Posted Sunday, September 23, 2012 by PA

Mallorca striker Victor Casadesus believes his side's strength in depth in forward areas can help them maintain their flying start to the campaign throughout the next couple of months.

Victor scored the winner against Real Sociedad in week three but missed the 1-1 draw with Osasuna last weekend through injury as the Islanders extended their unbeaten start to the season to four games, and he realises it will not be easy to get back into the side.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's home clash against Valencia, he told Marca: "There is (Tomer) Hemed, (Javier) Arizmendi, (Alejandro) Alfaro and we'll see what happens when (Giovani) Dos Santos is introduced. It is good that the manager has a choice because then whoever is doing the best will play,"

And the 27-year-old is hoping Mallorca can take advantage of any tiredness that may afflict Valencia on Sunday after their exertions in losing to Bayern Munich in midweek

"Valencia is a strong opponent, they are one the big sides after Barcelona and Real Madrid, they always pressure you and will be very difficult to beat," he said.

However, they had a very hard game against Bayern and they ought to feel that they are playing in an opposing stadium and against a team like Mallorca who wants the three points to continue near the top."

Mallorca captain Jose Nunes is suspended after his appeal against his red card at Osasuna last week was rejected so Pedro Geromel will start for the first time in defence.

Valencia, meanwhile, got their league campaign up and running with their first win last weekend against Celta Vigo and despite the disappointment of losing their Champions League opener to Bayern, midfielder Sofiane Feghouli is confident Mauricio Pellegrino's side are improving.

He told Marca: "We have to forget this match and think about Sunday and Mallorca because in the league we are not in a good position and we have to win away from home to recuperate the setback against Deportivo at home.

"In a short space of time we will see a team who plays better football, with more intensity and with fewer losses and errors."