Valencia vs Espanyol preview - Nuno: Valencia have best front line

Posted Saturday, September 13, 2014 by PA

Valencia coach Nuno Espirito Santo believes Alvaro Negredo's signing gives his side the best strike force in the Primera Division.

Negredo has joined on loan from Manchester City, although he is not available for Sunday's clash with Espanyol as he continues to recover from a broken foot.

Negredo boosts a forward line that already includes Paco Alcacer and Rodrigo, and Nuno is confident he can accommodate all three once Negredo is fit.

He told a supporters' dinner: "I see them playing together. They are compatible. They can play from the start. They are good players with the will to do well.

"When Alvaro is back at 100 per cent, I don't doubt that we have the best front line in Spain."

Valencia began their season by taking four points from clashes with Sevilla and Malaga prior to the international break.

Alcacer returned to his club fresh from making his debut for the full Spain side and scoring in a 5-1 win over Macedonia.

Nuno said of the 21-year-old: "He has the maturity to be prepared for things, even though they arrive quickly. He knows that goals are his target and that he has a team behind him to help with his growth."

Espanyol are looking for their first win after drawing with Almeria and losing to Sevilla in their first two games.

Coach Sergio Gonzalez remains upbeat, saying on rcdespanyol.com: "The group deserves a victory.

"We've worked hard this week and hopefully we'll get the win that would give us a morale boost that is necessary.

"The team is undergoing a process of adaptation. Our work is good and the players are showing great intensity and that is what marks the way over the coming weeks."

Espanyol will be without Juan Rafael Fuentes following the death of his father, but Felipe Caicedo (foot) and Anaitz Arbilla (suspension) return while Jose Canas could make his debut.