Osasuna vs Valencia preveiw - Gracia aims for strong start

Osasuna coach Javi Gracia has targeted a fast start against Valencia as they look to pull away from the relegation zone.

The Pamplona club are just three points above the drop zone after hitting a trough in form at just the wrong time.

Osasuna have managed just one win in their past eight games, but welcome a Valencia side that could have their minds elsewhere.

Los Che are away to Sevilla in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final next Thursday and - with little to play for in the league - Gracia hopes to try and catch them cold.

"We need to see from the outset who really needs the points," Gracia said at the pre-match press conference on Friday.

"This is done in the first 20 minutes - and making it even better in the second half.

"It should be a complete game in which we must demonstrate from start to finish we need points because these points are vital."

Gracia hopes home advantage will help inspire his team against a Valencia side he thinks are full of goals.

"Valencia is a balanced team," he said.

"In all away games they have created clear chances on goal. It is a team looking for goals.

"But I expect a good atmosphere that will infect us. Our strength is the support of our fans and we have to use it."

Valencia have little hope of qualifying for Europe via La Liga, with a seven-point gap behind Real Socieded to make up with five games left.

Coach Juan Antonio Pizzi does not want his players to therefore drop their guard and start thinking about Sevilla.

"We know there's only a small hope of cutting the difference in points," he said.

"In these final five games, though, we can still put a little pressure on those above us, to see if we can reach the Europa League positions. To do that, they know the need for us to win this game."

Valencia have been dealt a blow on the eve of the match with central defender Ricardo Costa suffering an injury in training on Thursday that will keep him out until after the Europa League first leg against Sevilla at least.

Alberto Tendillo, son of well-known Valencia player Miguel, has been called up from the reserve team.