Previews
SAT 18.02.2017
Team News:
- Valencia CF: Jose Gaya, Rodrigo Moreno and Santi Mina (all injured).
- Athletic Club: Sabin Merino and Kepa Arrizabalaga (both injured).
Match Facts:
Valencia (15th, 20 pts)
- In the wake of two defeats and a draw in their last three outings, the hosts will be intent on turning Mestalla into a fortress as they bid to place further distance between themselves and the dreaded drop zone.
- Speaking in the build-up, Valencia boss Voro underlined the vital role that the club's fans have to play: "The first hurdle that we have to overcome is to start winning games and to do so, we have to be a united force at Mestalla. I'm in no doubt that our supporters will get right behind us."
Athletic (8th, 35 pts)
- Los Leones come into this one in fine spirits after having claimed a first-leg advantage in their Europa League round-of-32 tie with APOEL FC following their narrow 3-2 triumph in midweek. Meanwhile, on the domestic front, Ernesto Valverde's charges mounted a stirring comeback to claim a 2-1 home success over RC Deportivo last time out.
- The Basques ran out convincing 3-0 winners when the sides locked horns last season at Mestalla. However, we have to go right back to 1988 for the last time that Athletic claimed back-to-back victories on Valencia's patch, which came courtesy of the 2-1 triumphs recorded in the 1985/6 and 1987/88 campaigns.
Getting to Mestalla
Address: Avenida de Suecia, 46010 Valencia
Bus: Line 10 to Avenida Aragon opposite the stadium
Train: Estacio del Nord (North Station)
Stadium location here.
Time: 16:15 CET
Stadium: Mestalla
Referee: Fernandez Borbalan, David
TV: Watch the game in your country.
Hashtag: #ValenciaAthletic
Preview in numbers
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