Having already qualified from Group C, both United and Valencia have more important games in the next few weeks than this one – expect both teams to utilise some squad players. A draw will be enough to seal top spot for the Reds whilst Valencia will have to do what no other side has done this season and score against United in the Champions League if they want to a chance of first place.
It’ been a month and a half since the last Champions League game at Old Trafford, but tomorrow night European football returns as Valencia are the visitors. The Spanish side, like United have already qualified but can still get top spot if they win by two goals. In their domestic league, Valencia are currently 5th and well off the pace set by Real Madrid and Barcelona. Their latest defeat came on Saturday as they were beaten 2-0 in the Bernabeau. With only three wins in their last nine La Liga games, their form is poor. However in the Champions League wins against Rangers and Bursaspor mean they are undefeated since United won at the Mestalla.
With Cesar Sanchez only just back in training, it’s likely that Moya will start in goal as Vicente Guaita is not registered for the Champions League. The rest of Valencia’s 19 man travelling squad is strong and even though some squad rotation is likely, star names Joaquin and Juan Mata are almost certain to play. Ever Banega and Robeto Soldado are two names to keep an eye on. Banega is finally settling in at Valencia and although not always first choice he’s quite a talent. His range of passing is excellent and technically he’s superb. He is however often let down by being too rash in the tackle. Soldado arrived in the summer as David Villa’s replacement. Despite not being a prolific scorer so far for Valencia in the league, he has five so far in the Champions League. His strong physique makes him hard to play against and he’s very good in the air. Should Smalling or Evans get another chance then they will have to be very wary of Soldado.
Prior to the recent 1-0 United win in Spain, it had been ten years since Valencia had played in this fixture. In the 2000/01 season they played out a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford with Andy Cole getting the United goal. You have to go back 28 years to find the last and only time Valencia have beaten United – in the Uefa Cup. Since then there have been five meetings, in which Valencia have only scored once, United have won twice and there have been three draws.
Like United, Valencia’s next game isn’t for six days after this fixture. It makes predicting tomorrow night’s line up hard for both teams.
Here’s my predicted United team:
Following all the talk of rotation and squad use I’ve actually picked a strong side to play Valencia. I think it’s more likely that Ferguson will start with a stronger team and bring players off than start weak and have players in reserve, there is no doubt he wants to win the group and this game. A full six days until the big clash against Arsenal is ample time to prepare and following the postponement of the weekend game against Blackpool, some players could probably do with the minutes to keep them fresh.
After a start against West Ham earlier in the week, I can’t see Kuszczak getting a second start. As much as I’d like to see Ben Amos given a game, the safe choice is Van der Sar. All the first choice back four were dropped from the starting XI for the West Ham game and will probably start this game, although I have a feeling Gary Neville may be involved. Evra only did a light training session today whilst Wes Brown and Jonny Evans didn’t train at all.
For the same reason the first choice defence will return, I think both Nani and Park will be on the wings. The midfield pairing is harder to predict. Following an injury and a poor performance at West Ham, Fletcher needs minutes. This is the kind of game that Paul Scholes would control but he has had a knock and only took part in a bit of training today. Carrick and Anderson performed brilliantly against Blackburn, and Anderson was the only player to emerge with credit against West Ham. I think Anderson will get a third start in a row and will be joined by the returning Gibson. I’m sure Ferguson wishes he’d been able to play Gibson more this year but time off to look after his young daughter who’s been ill, and injuries, have restricted him to just 5 appearances in all competitions.
Michael Owen is back training again now but will be given 10-14 days before he plays again, the club don’t wish to rush him back. Despite starting at West Ham, I think Chicharito may get another chance and could be paired with Wayne Rooney from the start for the first time. Berbatov may keep his place ahead of Chicharito though after his 5 goals against Blackburn.
United can potentially create some history tomorrow night. Should they keep a clean sheet they will be the first team ever to go through the group stages of the competition without conceding.
I can see United looking to get the job done tomorrow night and I shall predict a 2-0 home win.
Share with us your thoughts ahead of this game on the Valencia thread on our forum
SAF did mention that he’s bringing his top team to play. Whether he follows through on that remains to be seen
They don’t have to win by 2 goals, they just need to win 1-0, because of their better goal difference they will finish top if they win any scoreline