Valencia vs Valladolid preview - Los Che search for another away win

Posted Sunday, November 10, 2013 by PA

Valencia take on La Liga strugglers Real Valladolid on Sunday on the back of another strong showing in Europe as they aim to record their third win in eight days.

Miroslav Djukic's side climbed to the top of Europa League Group A on Thursday night after edging 10-man St Gallen 3-2 in the encounter at the AFG Arena and they return to league action as they take on 16th-placed Valladolid, who sit just two points above the drop zone.

With two away wins in the last seven days, Los Che are looking to build on their league position and can move up two places to seventh if other results go their way this weekend.

Federico Cartabia, who scored a brace in the 5-1 home victory over St Gallen last month, went off injured midway through the first-half of Thursday's match and could be doubtful for Sunday's clash at the Mestalla.

Argentina international Pablo Piatti replaced Cartabia in the 24th minute in Switzerland and earned his manager's praise after scoring in each half, which could have earned him a place in the squad to take on Valladolid.

The 24-year-old winger has only featured in four games for Djukic's outfit this season, and the Serbian boss told a press conference: "Piatti is increasingly more confident and doing things better. I'm sure he will continue to improve and (will continue) regaining confidence."

Meanwhile Valladolid midfielder Patrick Ebert is suspended for the clash following his sending off in last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Almeria.

The German saw red late in the second half for receiving two bookings and his ban will stand after a failed appeal by the club was confirmed on Friday.

Valladolid coach Juan Ignacio Martinez reported a strong turnout at training on Friday with the only absentees being the injured Victor Perez, Manucho and Oscar.

Meanwhile, Valladolid defender Antonio Rukavina, who worked under opposing boss Djukic with the Serbia Under-21 team in 2006/07, is looking forward to coming up against a former coach.

He told marca.com: "It's the first time I play against him, but more important to me is our team and that we prepare well.

"Last year we played a very good game there, we lost by one goal we all remember, and now I hope we can get a good result."