Last term Malaga and Valencia were at opposite ends of the Primera Division spectrum, but with a fresh season comes a fresh start, and the two sides square off at the La Rosaleda on an equal footing for one week at least.
It took the Andalucians until the final day of last term to secure their place in La Liga this time around. Going into the season’s dramatic finale, Malaga found themselves occupying 18th spot, yet a heroic 1-1 draw with Real Madrid kept Juan Muniz’s side safe.
Los Boquerones may have booked their place in the top flight for this campaign, but it was not enough to save the 41-year-old’s job, and in mid-June he parted from the club to be replaced by former Porto boss Jesualdo Ferreira.
The appointment of such a big name coach is indicative of the direction Malaga are heading this term. Subject to a takeover from Qatari Sheikh Abdullah Ben Nasser Al-Thani in the summer, the Andalusians have received a significant injection of funds, and though no especially big name players have been captured thus far, they are evidently a side on the up.
Fending off relegation remains their main aim this term, and to that end even a point from this tough opener would certainly not be sniffed at.
Shrugging Of Big Losses
It was seen by many last season that Champions League football this term was essential for the long-term well-being of Valencia. Los Che finished third in La Liga and booked their place amongst Europe’s elite, yet despite that commendable success this would still be the summer when they finally lost David Villa and David Silva. The two stars have long been courted by some of Europe’s top sides, and when Barcelona and Manchester City came calling there was finally no resisting.
A number of additional players have also haemorrhaged by los Che, including Alexis, Nikola Zigic and Carlos Marchena, though the arrivals of Roberto Soldado, Mehmet Topal and Aritz Aduriz will act to balance these losses out.
Also plying their trade at the Mestalla next term will be a trio of men who featured for Ligue 1 teams last season, the pick of whom will be Alberto Costa, a playmaker who led minnows Montpellier to Europe in their first season following promotion.
On balance, it would be something of a surprise if los Che were to prove quite the force they were with Villa, Silva, et al, though David Albelda has high ambitions.
“The loss of Villa and Silva will not disrupt the objectives of our club,” he boldly stated to the press. “We must be cautious, and not think we will win everything. One of the objectives will be to cut the gap to Barcelona and Real Madrid in the standings.”
Los Che may not "win everything", but if they are to keep better pace with the duopoly who have control of the table’s summit, this game should be considered must win.
TEAM NEWS
Malaga
Jesualdo Ferreira’s competitive debut in the home dugout comes in the aftermath of the news that Duda will miss the opening two months of the season due to a pubis operation he has undergone.
Helder Rosario and Javier Malagueno are missing too.
There is some positive news as Patrick Mtiliga is back training with the first team, and Apono is available too, though he has only returned after a problem picked up at the start of pre-season.
Probable Starting XI: Galatto; Gamez, Gonzalez, Weligton, Mtiliga; Eliseu, Sandro Silva, Fernando, Owusu-Abeyie; Fernandez, Rondon
Valencia
Roberto Soldado enjoyed a terrific season for Getafe, but he’ll have to wait to get off the mark with los Che as he’ll miss a couple of weeks of action due to a hamstring injury.
Miguel has a bruised ankle but should be passed fit, while Angel Dealbert has a facial knock but could also be able to feature prominently.
Probable Starting XI: Sanchez; Miguel, Dealbert, Navarro, Mathieu; Albelda, Banega; Hernandez, Costa, Mata; Aduriz
Prediction
It’s the beginning of a new era for both sides, and this opening day encounter could set the tone. Both fixtures last season ended 1-0 in favour of Valencia, and this match is liable to end up close too. The new wave of optimism that has engulfed Malaga may be enough to drive them to a fine opening day point, but an away win is likelier.
Malaga 0-1 Valencia 
