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La Liga Preview: Racing Santander - Valencia

Both sides will have to do without their star players as Racing Santander welcome Valencia to El Sardinero...

Mar 21, 2009 7:16:57 AM

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Racing Santander

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Kick-Off: Sunday March 22, 17:00 CET, Estadio El Sardinero, Santander

Valencia will be hoping to turn their poor run of form around when they travel to Racing Santander...

High Five

Most neutrals would agree that Racing Santander are not generally amongst the most entertaining teams in the league, but the last two weeks have showcased a sudden change in appearance. Having been on the wrong end of a 5-3 scoreline at Deportivo La Coruna the week before, Racing bounced back to thrash Numancia 5-0, thus lifting themselves into 10th place. With just eleven games, remaining, it will only take a few more wins to ensure safety.

Having said that, Racing are well aware that the seven point cushion that they currently enjoy cannot be taken granted. With a UEFA Cup spot seemingly out of reach, they will have to guard against complacency as the season enters its final stretch. In their favour, however, is the fact that they no longer have to play any of the top four.

Racing Santander are the only side in the league with an even goal difference, having scored and conceded 34 goals. Clearly, despite last week's heroics, Racing are a side whose success is based primarily on its defence. That is bad news for a Valencia side that has been firing blanks of late.

Troubled Times

This season has been another forgettable one for Valencia, both on and off the pitch. Performances have dropped as the players have stopped getting paid, and the last remaining UEFA Cup place is the best Los Che can hope for come the end of the season. With the likes of David Villa and David Silva almost certain to be sold to raise finances, the future is looking bleak at the Mestalla.

Valencia have traditionally been a side that provide plenty of entertainment, but this crucial component has often been missing from their play this season. Indeed, they have not scored more than one goal in their last six games, of which they have won none. With Villa still out injured, a revival looks highly unlikely.

When these two sides met at the Mestalla, Racing ran out unlikely 4-2 winners, handing Valencia their first loss of the season. It was a sign of things to come, and it was witnessed first hand from the Valencia bench by Nikola Zigic. The giant Serb striker would have been thirsty for revenge, but Racing will be deprived of his considerable services due to the terms of his loan deal.

FORM GUIDE

Racing Santander

WON 5-0 (H) Numancia (La Liga Matchday 27, March 14)

LOST 5-3 (A) Deportivo La Coruna (La Liga Matchday 26, March 08)

DREW 1-1 (H) Osasuna (La Liga Matchday 25, March 01)

LOST 1-0 (A) Mallorca (La Liga Matchday 24, February 22)

DREW 1-1 (H) Villarreal (La Liga Matchday 23, February 15)

Valencia

DREW 1-1 (H) Recreativo De Huelva (La Liga Matchday 27, March 14)

LOST 2-1 (A) Numancia (La Liga Matchday 26, March 08)

LOST 2-1 (H) Real Valladolid (La Liga Matchday 25, March 01)

DREW 2-2 (H) Dynamo Kiev (UEFA Cup Round of 32 Second Leg, February 26)

DREW 1-1 (A) Deportivo La Coruna (La Liga Matchday 24, February 22)

TEAM NEWS

Racing Santander

Racing will be without Mohamed Tchite and Pedro Munitis through injury, while Nikola Zigic is ineligible because he is owned by Valencia.

Probable Starting XI - Tono - Valera, Pinillos, Garay, Moraton - Moral, Lacen, Luccin, Serrano, Colsa - Pereira,

Valencia

Unai Emery will have to do without the injured trio of Villa, Joaquin and Miguel, while Renan is doubtful. Carlos Marchena is suspended.

Probable Starting XI - Cesar - Alexis, Albiol, Maduro, Moretti - Albelda, Edu, Baraja, Vicente - Silva - Mata

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Racing Santander - As the only fit striker in the squad, Jonathan Pereira has a massive responsibility on Sunday. Quite the opposite of Zigic in terms of height, it will be interesting to see how the team react with him alone up front.

Valencia - Despite playing as a striker during his days in the Real Madrid youth team, Juan Mata has reached his peak on Valencia's left wing. The injury situation, however, has forced him back into the forward role, and he has rather large shoes to fill.

PREDICTION

Racing are missing three of their forwards, including the monumental loss of Zigic. Valencia, however, are also missing players, including their most potent weapon, and are far too inconsistent to inspire confidence ahead of this one. All signs point to a draw.

Racing Santander 1-1 Valencia

Arjun Miglani, Goal.com

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