Nuno's 11

Portuguese boss Nuno Espírito Santo has guided Valencia to second place in Liga BBVA, having lost only one game so far this season. Injury to captain Dani Parejo means that the coach has had to change tack from his habitual 4-3-3 system, and is likely to go with the same 4-4-2 setup that worked successfully against Villarreal when Athletic Club visit the Mestalla on Saturday evening. Here, LFP.es takes an in-depth look at how Los Ché will likely line up.

Diego Alves  (GK)
Games played: Nine, Goals conceded: Six
The Brazilian custodian has proven himself to be of vital importance for Valencia. Alves is something of a penalty saving expert, having saved 13 spot kicks since arriving in Spain, including one in the 3-1 victory over Atlético Madrid earlier this season. He also has history against Athletic Club too, stopping penalties from Fernando Llorente (2009-10) and Mikel San José (2010-11).

Antonio Barragán (RB)
Games played: Nine, Minutes played: 810
The right-back has disputed every minute of the nine games he has played in during the 2014-15 Liga BBVA campaign, becoming a stalwart in the side's backline. The Galicia-born player joined Valencia in 2011 after impressing with Valladolid. Averaging 2.4 tackles and interceptions per game.

Shkodran Mustafi (CB)
Games Played: Six, Goals: Three
The German World Cup winner has started to cement his place alongside Otamendi as the first choice centre-back pairing, and in addition to providing defensive solidity with the Argentine, he is on a hot streak in front of goal, having scored three in his last two games, including a double in the 1-3 derby victory over Villarreal CF.

Nicolas Otamendi (CB)
Games played: 10, Minutes played: 900
The Argentine only made his debut for Valencia in August, but he has proven himself to be a vital cog in the machine that Nuno has set up. Secure in defence, he also scored his first goal for the club in the 3-1 victory over reigning Liga BBVA champions Atlético Madrid, and always provides a threat at the other end of the pitch from dead-balls.

José Luis Gayá (LB)
Games played: 10, Age 19
The young pearl's development has been so fast and impressive that the side have not been affected by the loss of Juan Bernat to FC Bayern München. The 19-year-old plays on the left of the defence, and has started every game this season, becoming one of Spanish football's brightest prospects. Despite being aged just 19, has already played for the country's U-21 outfit. In addition to making an average of 3.2 tackles per game (more than any of his defensive counterparts), he has also bagged one goal and one assist so far.

Sofiane Feghouli (RM)
Games Played: Three (Six), Assists: Three
Despite having just started three games this season, Algeria international Feghouli is a key part of the Valencia squad. Likely to start on the right of the midfield four, he is a tricky winger, notable for his excellent technique, pace and selfless work in helping the side. In the relatively limited playing time he has had this season, the 24-year-old has managed to set up three goals and scored once, showing his class.

André Gomes (CM)
Games Played: 9, Goals: Two
The 21-year-old followed his coach from Portugal in the summer and has stood out in the opening months of the season. A deep-lying central midfielder, he has tireless energy, enthusiasm and is the very definition of a team player. He also contributes at the other end, having found the back of the net twice so far.

Javi Fuego (CM)
Games played: 10, Minutes played: 887
The veteran has started every single game for the Mestalla club this season, missing only 13 minutes of action as he was brought off in the 3-0 defeat away to RC Deportivo La Coruña. He makes an average of 3.5 interceptions per game in a holding role just in front of the back four, doing a vital job for his side, ensuring they have only shipped nine goals in 10 games.

Pablo Piatti (LM)
Games Played: 9, Assists: Four
The Argentine is a left-winger who is flourishing under Nuno in Liga BBVA, playing nine from 10 games thus far. He is a creative spark in the Ché starting XI, setting up four and scoring two of the side’s 23 Liga BBVA goals this season.

Paco Alcacér (CF)
Games Played: 10, Goals Four
After showing signs of promise last year, the youngster has surpassed all expectations in the opening months of the 2014-15 Liga BBVA season. Known for his prowess in front of goal, he has been involved in more goals than any of his Valencia teammates this campaign (four goals and four assists), showing there is much more to his play than just finding the back of the net. He has also earned a spot in Vicente del Bosque’s Spain team, scoring in all three of his competitive matches for La Roja.

Rodrigo (CF)
Games Played: Eight, Assists: Two
Having joined in the summer, Rodrigo has primarily been used in a wide role, charged with creating, rather than scoring, however the injury to Dani Parejo means he could take up a more central position up front alongside Alcacér. The Brazil-born attacker is another of the youngsters to have impressed enough to have earned a call up to Del Bosque's national side, making his debut as a substitute in the second-half of the 0-4 win against Luxembourg.