Getafe vs Valencia preview - Valverde calls for composure

Posted Saturday, May 18, 2013 by PA

Valencia coach Ernesto Valverde will make sure his team keep their feet on the ground in their final three games after finding themselves back in the race for the fourth Champions League spot in La Liga.

Los Che have capitalised on Real Sociedad's disappointing results to draw level with the Basques, who remain fourth due to their superior head-to-head record.

Sociedad face a tough test when they travel to Sevilla, while Valverde's men meet Getafe.

Valverde said: "We are confident, but I would like to control this small sense of euphoria we have. It's not a good idea for us celebrate too much, because we could still slip up.

"I will try and be strict with my players so we can win."

The coach is without two key players, centre-back Adil Rami who has tonsillitis, and goalkeeper Diego Alves (hamstring).

Vicente Guaita will therefore start in goal.

Forward Pablo Piatti has unexpectedly been left out of the squad, so Jonas, suspended for the 4-0 win at Rayo Vallecano, returns to the line-up.

Getafe boss Luis Garcia is staying positive despite seeing his side's Europa League hopes suffer a blow with last weekend's loss to Osasuna.

He said: "A lot is at stake for both teams. Towards the end of the season every point is decisive and it's vital that we get the win."

Garcia talked up the quality of Valencia and admitted it will be difficult for his team to control the match.

"If you look at Valencia's last few games, they won 4-0 at Rayo and beat Malaga 5-2 and Osasuna 4-0. They are at the top of their game and in brilliant form," he said.

"They have very creative players and in Roberto Soldado they have one of the best strikers in the league.

"I'm thinking about playing the same way we did against Real Sociedad [a 2-1 win].

"If we take the lead we will have more space, but it's going to be a very equal game.

"We want to take the initiative, but it's going to be tough for us."

Left-back Sergio Escudero has been passed fit after overcoming injury, but Miguel Torres, Borja Fernandez and Alvaro Vazquez have all been unable to recover from knocks.