Tuesday, November 2, 2010
02-11-2010 Bets Of The Day
18:30 Rubin Kazan - Panathinaikos
Tuesday's early kick-off is unlikely to be a goal-fest if previous form is to be factored into play. A turgid draw was shared out between the sides a fortnight ago and between Rubin and Panathinaikos a grand total of two goals have been scored. Under 1.5 is 2.90 (Sportingbet) Rubin are strong favourites and look a good price to win to nil
20:45 Werder Bremen - Twente
Games between these two are becoming familiar after meeting in the Europa League last season. Neither have yet to record a win and need to do so to close the gap on Spurs and Inter in Group A. An open game looks in prospect, Bremen are unbeaten in eight at home in European games and border crossing Twente tend to score on the road as they have done in their last five competitive games.
Tip : Both teams to score (1.57) - (Sportingbet)
20:45 Benfica - Lyon
If the Eagles are ever going to step up to the Champions League plate then it has to be now. Beaten by Schalke and Lyon in their last two games the Portuguese champions need a victory to have a prayer of reaching the knock-out stages. Lyon have maximum points and it wouldn't be a major surprise if under pressure coach Claude Puel rests some of his key men ahead of the important league match this weekend against Rennes. No French club has ever won in the Estadio da Luz and it's doubtful Les Gones will break that habit.
Tip : Benfica to beat (2.14) - (Pinnacle Sports)
02-11-2010 20:45 Tottenham Hot. - Inter
Inter survived a massive scare on Matchday 3 in the Champions League when a 21-year-old by the name of Gareth Bale almost tore down the gargantuan footballing machine that Jose Mourinho had constructed in his two years at San Siro. 4-0 up against Tottenham Hotspur at the interval, the Nerazzurri seemed as happy as kids who had just seen their father return home from work to play with them, but Bale threatened to put their hopes on fire when he scored thrice.
It finished 4-3 in the end and two of Spurs’ goals came in injury time anyway, but coach Rafael Benitez must have been biting his nails as he witnessed his Inter side crumble like a parchment in the second 45 minutes. Nevertheless, the victory in Milan means that the Italian and European champions are top of Group A with seven points from three matches.
Inter will qualify for the second round of Europe’s premier club competition with a win if the match between Werder Bremen and Twente end in a draw. The Beneamata warmed up for the trip to north London with a 1-0 away win against Genoa in Serie A on Friday, which put them four points off the pace.
This will be Inter’s second away match in the Champions League this season, the first one having ended in a 2-2 draw with Twente in the Netherlands. Benitez knows that Spurs are a strong side at home but remains confident and said on Monday: "If we do win tomorrow, then we are through and we can relax a little bit and we'll be able to perhaps spend more time preparing for forthcoming league games and also the World Club Championship.
“It's very important to win tomorrow. We are in a good position now. We are in the driving seat, and we will try to do our best."
The Strength Of The Hart
In his tenure as the manager of Liverpool, Rafael Benitez failed to win at White Hart Lane after Harry Redknapp took over the reigns at Tottenham and on Tuesday evening the Spurs clan will hope that the record continues. At the moment the Premier League side are second in the group with four points from three matches and will draw level with leaders Inter with a win.
Spurs have looked much better at home in Europe than they have away as they defeated Twente at White Hart Lane, conceding just once; in two away matches the Lilywhites have shipped in six.
Nevertheless, Tottenham have shown progress in a group that many believe Inter will win, and indeed the north London club are now in pole position to qualify for the knockout stages as runners-up in Group A. Spurs have scored goals for fun in the competition, having netted nine times in three matches – more than Barcelona, Chelsea and Real Madrid.
However, Redknapp’s team are not in the best of form right now as since their defeat to Inter in Milan, they have drawn with Everton at home and lost to Manchester United at Old Trafford, both in the Premier League. A considerable improvement is required for the injury-ravaged Spurs side to upset the European champions.
Rednapp is aware of the task at hand but remains quietly confident, “We're playing a team where the goalkeeper [Julio Cesar] was voted the best in the Champions League last season, Maicon was voted the best defender, [Wesley] Sneijder the best midfielder and [Diego] Milito the best forward, so they've got real quality.
“They are the champions of Italy and the Champions League holders so it is a very tough game but I fancy us at home with the crowd and great atmosphere. We've got to set a high tempo, play the way we want to play, and I think it will be a great night's football.”
TEAM NEWS
Tottenham Hotspur
Michael Dawson, Ledley King, Vedran Corluka and Jermain Defoe are out injured while Heurelho Gomes is suspended. Rafael Van der Vaart too looked to be in doubt at one stage but the Dutch international seems to have recovered. Redknapp could deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation that will have Peter Crouch as the lone targetman.
Inter
Benitez is without the services of first-choice goalkeeper Julio Cesar and defensive midfielder Esteban Cambiasso, both of whom picked up injuries in their league game against Genoa last week. Luca Castellazzi will replace the Brazilian between the Inter sticks while Sulley Muntari is likely to be paired with Javier Zanetti in central midfield.
The return of Diego Milito from injury implies that the Argentina international striker will be the main striker upfront in a 4-2-3-1 system that will see Samuel Eto’o, Wesley Sneijder and Goran Pandev support him from the attacking midfield department.
Prediction
On paper Inter do have superior quality as they showed on Matchday 3 when they went 4-0 up against Spurs at one stage. Furthermore, the Premier League side are without key personnel at the back and are severely depleted. However, the north London side would have learnt their lesson from that night and will make themselves tough to break on Tuesday. The Italian champions could just snatch a win but the match is likely to end in a draw.
Tottenham 1-1 Inter Milan 
02-11-2010 20:45 Werder - Twente
At the start of the group stage of the Champions League, most observers would have backed Inter to win the group and Tottenham Hotspur and Werder Bremen to fight for the prized runners-up spot. However, as things stand the German Bundesliga side are not even in a position to drop to the Europa League.
The Green-Whites are currently bottom of Group A with two points from three matches. Thomas Schaaf’s side have yet to win in the Champions League and have also been struggling on the domestic front, currently stationed in 11th place with 14 points from 10 matches.
At the weekend Werder went down 3-2 to Nuernberg at the Weserstadion and this is certainly not a good way to prepare what is essentially a make or break game for them. As Schaaf explained on Monday, “Tomorrow we want to make an impression in our group. I think it is an important match and it will decide if we are still in Europe in the new year or not.
“If we are successful then our next match will decide if we play in the Champions League next year. We have to play with total focus and not just for 20 minutes, like we did on Saturday against Nuernberg, but 90 minutes.”
Looking For An Upset
Dutch champions FC Twente are probably just delighted to be playing in the Champions League but as things currently stand, they could be in with a chance of even more accomplishments. At the moment the Tukkers are third in Group A with two points from three matches – a win for Inter against Tottenham Hotspur in London and a victory for them in Bremen will see them go second with just two more rounds remaining in the group stage.
However, Twente have to work hard to realise those massive dreams. While the Enschede-based side have been sensational in the Dutch Eredivisie, they have been modest at best on the continent. Michel Preud'homme's side have emerged victorious in their last five Eredivise matches and defeated PSV 1-0 at the weekend to go a point clear at the top, but have struggled in Europe, conceding four goals against Spurs at White Hart Lane in their only away match so far.
However, coach Preud'homme is hopeful of a win in Bremen and enthused on Monday, “I want to win every match. I also wanted to win against Inter and I want to win tomorrow.
“Of course the opposition in the Champions League is very strong and so sometimes you have to be satisfied with a draw.
“I think in our group everything is still possible. Inter will be first but behind Inter nothing is decided. It is important that we don't lose tomorrow, a draw could be enough but a defeat could finish us in this group.”
TEAM NEWS
Werder Bremen
Petri Pasanen and Clemens Fritz are out with injuries. Tim Borowski, Sebastian Boenisch and Naldo are long-term injury concerns. Tim Wiese missed training on Monday and could be absent for Tuesday’s clash as well.
FC Twente
Goalkeeper Nikolay Mihaylov will play in spite of sustaining a hamstring injury against PSV at the weekend. Rasmus Bengtsson missed the match against the Dutch giants but could feature against Werder. Wout Brama is nursing a hamstring injury while Nicky Kuiper, Emir Bajrami and Bart Buysse are on the sick list as well.
Prediction
Werder Bremen are at the bottom of the group and desperately seek all three points. Against Twente at home the Germans will have the edge but they must be careful at the back.
Werder Bremen 2-1 Twente 
02-11-2010 20:45 Benfica - Olympique Lyonnais
While Benfica’s Champions League challenge remains on the edge of a knife, Olympique Lyonnais are rather better placed to qualify for the knock-out stages, yet the visiting side have a hatful of problems, which should give the Encarnados hope that they could score an important victory.
Jorge Jesus’ side, who are the defending Portuguese Liga champions, started their campaign in dreadful form. Three of their first four domestic games were lost, allowing Porto to get a massive jump on the Lisbon side in the league, and in Europe a great deal of ground has to be made up after 2-0 defeats against Schalke and Lyon.
After the loss in France a fortnight ago, which was partly precipitated by a daft red card for Nicolas Gaitan, Jesus confessed that he was impressed by OL’s up-tempo pressing style of play, which coaxed unusual errors from his players. Nevertheless, he certainly retained hope for the return fixture.
“We have certainly not lost hope of advancing because our defeats have come away from home,” the coach explained, confident after an opening day success over Hapoel Tel Aviv.
If Benfica are to progress, then they’ll likely have to win on Tuesday at the Estadio da Luz, else matters will probably be out of their hands as second placed Schalke are expected to overcome the Israelis.
Difficult Times
Olympique Lyonnais, who play their 100th game amongst Europe's elite on Tuesday, have endured a difficult start to their campaign, despite boasting three wins from a possible three in the Champions League. Les Gones have been anything but convincing in the league, yet they have steadily moved up the Ligue 1 table over the last month, stringing together a number of victories.
Such were the problems that OL were suffering, president Jean-Michel Aulas had to state publically his backing for general manager Claude Puel last Thursday after an extra-time defeat in the Coupe de la Ligue by Paris Saint-Germain. Aulas cited a recent improvement in the club’s league form and their excellent European record as his reasoning for sticking by Puel.
Lyon may have improved results-wise of late, but their performances remain at a thoroughly mediocre level compared to their lofty standards. At the weekend they hosted a Sochaux side who had not won a point in Ligue 1 away from home all season, yet les Lionceaux gave OL a far tougher game than Puel would have hoped, though the home coach did praise the young players he brought into the side for their enthusiasm.
The likes of Clement Grenier and Alexandre Lacazette are liable to be used a good deal more in the immediate future too. Les Gones presently have an intimidating list of selection problems, with injuries to Michel Bastos and Lisandro Lopez at the weekend adding to their not inconsiderable list of woes.
Tuesday evening’s clash is therefore a huge test for Lyon, who would book their place in the knock-out stages with a win.
TEAM NEWS
Benfica
Oscar Cardozo is the big injury absentee for the hosts; he has damaged knee ligaments and won’t be able to feature. Ruben Amorin, Luis Filipe, Fabio Faria and Roderick are the other player sidelined.
Nicolas Gaitan is suspended after being dismissed a fortnight ago.
Lyon
Lyon have far greater injury problems. Lisandro Lopez won’t play for the best part of a month due to a calf injury, while were are serious doubts over Michel Bastos’ participation after he was withdrawn early at the weekend, apparently suffering from a thigh injury. The attacker has indicated that he is much better and expects to play.
Jeremy Toulalan has been ruled out, as has left-back Aly Cissokho. Jean II Makoun makes a surprise appearance in Claude Puel's 20-man squad though.
Cesar Delgado and Ederson are long term issues, though the former is getting closer to action.
Prediction
Lyon overcame Benfica easily a fortnight ago, but they were aided greatly by their guests’ indiscipline. With home advantage and a considerably healthier squad than les Gones, the Portuguese club should fancy their chances of picking up maximum points and rekindling their Champions League hopes.
Benfica 2-0 O. Lyon 
02-11-2010 20:45 Hapoel Tel Aviv - Schalke 04
Schalke may still be struggling at home, but they are continually proving themselves as a force in Europe, so Hapoel Tel Aviv will have their work cut out if they are to pick up anything at home against the Bundesliga club.
The Israelis have now played three Champions League fixtures and they have yet to earn a point. They opened up positively enough against Benfica, going down to an unflattering 2-0 defeat, but having also succumbed against Olympique Lyonnais and the Germans, both incidentally by 3-1 scorelines, they are well out of the race to reach the knock-out stages.
Even the Europa League is looking a distant dream, but with two home matches to come Eli Guttman’s side will still hold out some hope that better lies just around the corner.
After going down in Gelsenkirchen a fortnight ago, Guttman pointed out that his side lack the top level experience to seriously compete against their opponents, lamenting a lack of killer instinct in the final third and a lackadaisical attitude defensively that comes about from not being punished enough domestically.
Though this European campaign could almost be considered a write-off already, with the Red Demons in the mix for their domestic title once again, valuable lessons can be learnt for further excursions onto the continent.
Firing Blanks
A late charge to second in the Bundesliga last season had Schalke celebrating an automatic berth in the Champions League for this term, but six months on all is not so cheery for Felix Magath’s Gelsenkirchen side. Second from bottom in the Bundesliga, playing in Europe is presently an escapist experience for the Germans, giving them a chance to forget the day-to-day grind and replace it with some glamour.
At the weekend, die Koenigsblauen suffered their latest blow as they went down at home 1-0 against Bayer Leverkusen. A plethora of opportunities were squandered by the home side, leaving veteran Spanish striker Raul to lament: “We just don't score enough goals.”
The 33-year-old certainly has a point; with 10 goals from their 10 games so far, no German top flight side has found the net on fewer occasions than Magath’s men.
Though the Germans were shut out by Lyon in France, hindered by a first half red card to Benedict Hoewedes, they have since found the net with relative ease in continental competition, dispatching the challenge of Benfica 2-0 with a pair of goals in the last 20 minutes and then bettering Hapoel Tel Aviv 3-1, with the legendary figure of Raul striking twice.
For all their domestic troubles, Schalke are still very well placed to progress in Europe, and victory on Tuesday will only raise hopes more.
TEAM NEWS
Hapoel
Itay Shechter is sidelined with a hamstring injury picked up in a domestic fixture against Maccabi Petach. Additionally, Avihay Yadin picked up an ankle injury at the weekend and is rendered a big doubt. Romain Rocchi and Mahran Lala are both long-term problems, having recently undergone surgery.
Schalke
Lukas Schmitz and Joel Matip both picked up injuries at the weekend, clearing the way for a possible start for Mario Gavranovic. Schmitz has already been ruled out for certain.
Jermaine Jones also misses out, as does Junmin Hao, who had an appendectomy last week. Tim Hoogland, Levan Kenia and Christian Pander are long-term issues.
Prediction
Hapoel have been competitive in their fixtures so far, they’ve just lacked a little cutting edge and defensive nous. It may well be that Schalke’s greater experience is enough to guide them past their Israeli opponents once again, keeping the Bundesliga outfit firmly in the hunt for a knock-out round berth. A fourth two-goal loss for the hosts would be no massive shock.
Hapoel 0-2 Schalke 04 
02-11-2010 20:45 FC Kobenhavn - Barcelona
Copenhagen have arguably been the surprise package of the Champions League this season, and they will look to enhance their status as the competitions Davids when they meet the Goliath that is Barcelona on Tuesday evening.
A fortnight ago Stale Solbakken’s side enjoyed top spot in Group D, with wins over Rubin Kazan and Panathinaikos putting FCK into an advantageous early position. Even strong teams can go to Camp Nou and receive a hiding, but the Danish outfit were stuffy defensively and might even have scored on the counter-attack during the 2-0 reverse at the Catalan venue, a defeat made worse by a Lionel Messi strike in stoppage time.
It was a fixture not without controversy. Visiting striker Cesar Santin burst through on goal only to be stopped by what he believed to be the referee’s whistle. However, the noise had actually come from home goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto, who has since been slapped with a two match ban because of the incident. A shock equaliser was on the cards, so he will feel the punishment was worth it, especially as first choice No.1 Victor Valdes is fit again to take the Barcelona gloves.
But the Danes proved without doubt in Spain that they are a force to be reckoned with in this competition, and with the goal scoring machine that is Dame N’Doye continuing to bang them in left, right and centre, they should be treated with the utmost respect, even by a side who are arguably Europe’s finest.
Dip, What Dip?
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has said that he feels this side have been playing at a high level over the course of the season, despite statistics suggesting that the Catalans haven’t been at their explosive best. However, Barca were irresistible on Saturday evening against Sevilla at Camp Nou, running out stunning 5-0 victors against a Sevilla side handicapped by a red card to Abdoulay Konko on the stroke of half-time.
It wasn’t just the magnitude of Barcelona’s weekend win that caught the eye; it was also the style in which Guardiola’s gladiators went about dismantling very useful, though very erratic opponents. David Villa and Lionel Messi both scored braces, and the latter stated that he never doubted his side’s ability, despite their supposed blip.
“We were doing things right, winning is what matters, and we have again shown that we are still a great team,” the diminutive Argentine attacker stated to the media.
The Catalans have not been perfect in Europe, held to a draw against Rubin Kazan away from home, but they scored an impressive victory over Panathinaikos at Camp Nou, and though they laboured a little against the Danes a fortnight ago remain hot favourites to top Group D. Victory on Tuesday evening coupled with a draw between Rubin and Pana would secure their place in the last 16.
TEAM NEWS
Copenhagen
FCK have a number of issues ahead of Tuesday’s game. Top league scorer Cesar Santin is something of a doubt due to a twisted ankle, though he has been named in the squad. Martin Bergvold is definitely out with a knee problem and Hjalte Norregaard will be prevented from playing because of a knee problem.
Morten Nordstrand has overcome a long-term battle with injury to start from the bench in each of the last two league games.
Dame N’Doye is just one yellow card away from a ban.
Barcelona
Pep Guardiola’s side travel with a squad of 19, including the fit-again Gabriel Milito. Second string goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto is banned, so Ruben travels as Victor Valdes’ back-up.
Prediction
The fact that Barcelona were back at their very best at the weekend is ominous for Copenhagen. Nevertheless, the Danes have already shown that they are a robust unit who won’t easily be bested. Expect the home side to sit in and hit their guests on the break, but don’t expect them to have enough power to get by one of the competition favourites, who will probably win by a couple
Copenhagen 0-2 Barcelona 
02-11-2010 18:30 Rubin - Panathinaikos
With group favourites and leaders Barcelona to play against second-placed FC Copenhagen later on Tuesday and expected to win as well, Russian champions Rubin Kazan should know that a win against Panathinaikos will massively boost their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League.
At the moment Rubin are third in Group D with just a couple of points from three matches. One of those points came against Barcelona in Kazan while the other was gained in Athens against Panathinaikos on Matchday 3.
Kurban Berdyev's side desperately need a win at the Central Stadium in Kazan on Tuesday to sustain their lofty ambitions of being one of Europe’s elite 16 and playing in the second round of the Champions League. The Tatars warmed up for the visit of Panathinaikos with a 2-0 victory over PFC Krylya Sovetov Samara on Friday that kept them six points off the pace in the Russian Premier League.
Coach Berdyev has hinted that he will change tactics against the Grecian giants and explained on Monday, “We will try to change some of our tactics and see if we can succeed. Panathinaikos's last league match against their rivals Olympiakos showed they have a strong bench.
“The performance proved they are to be taken seriously. We expect a difficult game. I do not think that they will change their tactics much, they play the same in all Champions League matches. Perhaps just that they will attack more than in Greece because they need to win as well as us.”
Win Or Go Bust
With just a solitary point from three matches, Greek champions Panathinaikos are at the bottom of Group D. As a matter of fact, that point was earned on Matchday 3 when they were held to a 0-0 draw by Rubin Kazan in Athens.
The Shamrock travel to Russia on Tuesday with the sole aim to conquer Rubin. Anything less than three points will put flights to their already depleted hopes of qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages. However, Nikos Nioplias’ side go into the match on the back off a morale-boosting 2-1 derby win against Olympiakos in the Greek Super League on Saturday.
Coach Nioplias knows that they have a Herculean task at hand but is willing to fight. He explained on Monday: “We have come here to win. Two weeks ago we were unable to do so, so we will change our tactics. It is cold in Kazan but there is no rain or snow and the pitch is in good condition.
“We expect a more aggressive approach from Rubin. They weren't very dangerous in Athens and I think at home they will play much better. We know everything about our opponents just as they know everything about us. I don't think there will be any surprises.”
TEAM NEWS
Rubin Kazan
Roman Sharonov is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Carlos Eduardo is back in training after recovering from a virus that forced him to miss the match at the weekend.
Panathinaikos
Gilberto Silva is back from suspension and Cedric Kante seems to have recovered from a hand injury. However, Sebastian Leto is out of contention because of a problem with his knee and there are fitness doubts on Sotiris Ninis, who has issues with his foot.
Prediction
Playing at home gives Rubin an advantage and they will know better than not to waste it. The Russians held Barcelona to a 1-1 draw in their last home game in the Champions League and they should conquer Panathinaikos in Kazan.
Rubin 2-0 Panathinaikos 
02-11-2010 20:45 Bursaspor - Manchester Utd.
Victory over Bursaspor at Old Trafford last time out in the Champions League left Manchester United top of Group C with seven points and knowing that another victory in Turkey will all but seal their spot in the knockout stage.
While the 1-0 victory, courtesy of an early Nani strike, was somewhat lacklustre, Sir Alex Ferguson is expected to recall most of his big names, many of who missed the game at Old Trafford.
Certainly the Red Devils’ record on the road in Europe will give them confidence of bringing home another three points. United have won seven of their last eight away games in the Champions League and the last time they were in Turkey they emerged victorious after beating Besiktas 1-0, thanks to a Paul Scholes strike.
All Or Nothing
For Bursaspor, after losing all three of their group games thus far it’s win or bust for Ertugrul Saglam’s team who have failed to score so far in their maiden Champions League outing.
However, they are due to play two of their final three games at home, and coach Saglam has not given up hope that the Turks can progress, although they will need to win all three games and hope results elsewhere go in their favour.
Certainly, if they can reproduce their domestic form they will give United a tough test. The Green Crocodiles drew 1-1 with Fenerbahce last time out thus extending their current unbeaten run to 10 games and maintaining top spot in the league.
TEAM NEWS
Bursaspor
Ali Tandogan, Serbia centre-back Milan Stepanov and Federico Insua have been struggling with injury but should shake off knocks and are expected to start.Possible starting XI: Ivankov; Tandogan, Erdogan, Stepanov, Vederson; Volkan Sen, Ergic, Svensson, Insua, Ipek; Yildrim.
Manchester United
Manchester United have injury problems for the trip to Turkey, particularly in attack with Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen and Ryan Giggs all joining long-term injury victim Antonio Valencia on the sidelines.The game at Old Trafford between these two sides saw Sir Alex Ferguson make wholesale changes to his starting line-up but the Scot has admitted he will take a strong side to Turkey in the hope of securing victory and all but ensure United's place in the knockout round with games to spare.
Possible starting XI: Kuszczak; Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra; Nani, Fletcher, Anderson, Park; Hernandez, Macheda.
Prediction
The visitors will expect a tougher test in Turkey than they received at Old Trafford but even so will be favourites to win. With no points and no goals in the group stages Bursaspor have nothing to lose but Manchester United should possess the experience and the extra quality required to secure a narrow victory.
Bursaspor 0-1 Man Utd. 
02-11-2010 20:45 Valencia - Rangers
If either team were to win this game it would make them odds-on favourites to qualify for the knockout stages in second place, behind group leaders Manchester United.
In their previous game at Ibrox twelve days ago, these two sides played out a 1-1 draw thanks to Rangers’ Maurice Edu netting at both ends.
Pain in Spain
Despite competing in European competitions in more seasons than any other British club, Rangers have beaten Spanish opposition just three times.
The Scottish champions will be looking for a positive result as they aim to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time since 2005/06.
Looking to end miserable run
Despite being the early pace-setters in La Liga, which led to hopes of a sustained title challenge alongside Barcelona and Real Madrid, just one point from their last three games has seen Valencia them slip down to fourth.
Unai Emery will be hoping that a win against Rangers will help his side recapture their early-season form.
TEAM NEWS
Valencia
The biggest decision manager Unai Emery will have to make before naming his Valencia side will be over who to play in goal.Regular ‘keeper Cesar Snachez has missed his sides last three league games with a minor injury, meaning Miguel Angel Moya has been deputising.
However, Sanchez has been back training and his greater experience may be relied upon for this important match.
Possible starting XI: Sanchez; Miguel, Navarro, Costa, Mathieu; Pablo, Banega, Mata, Topal, Vincente; Aduriz
Rangers
Despite travelling to Spain with the rest of the Rangers squad, midfielders Maurice Edu and Vladimir Weiss are both injury doubts for game.Edu has rated his chances at just 50-50 to participate in the game, whilst Weiss will be a worry for manager Walter Smith after he was taken off with a heel problem at halftime against Inverness Caledonian Thistle on Saturday.
However, Naismith and Whittaker should return after being rested on the bench at the weekend.
Rangers should continue with their five-man midfield behind the lone Kenny Miller in attack, which they have favoured in Europe this season.
Possible starting XI: McGregor; Broadfoot, Bougherra, Weir, Papac, Whittaker; Naismith, Davis, Edu, Weiss; Miller
Prediction
It will not be pretty as Rangers will come to stifle their opposition. A repeat of the superb rearguard action that saw them earn a draw against Manchester United in the opening group game would be a huge boost to their chances of qualifying for the knockout stages.
Valencia 0-0 Rangers 
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