Roberto Soldado, Valencia vs Racing Santander (Getty)
| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
RACING SANTANDER  TonoAlvaro, Torrejon, Espinosa, Cisma Diop, Colsa Arana, Adrian, Acosta Stuani | VALENCIA  Alves Barragan, Rami, Ruiz, Mathieu Albelda, TopalPiatti, Banega, Alba Soldado |
Racing welcome back forward Pedro Munitis after he missed Saturday's defeat to Getafe due to suspension, while Uruguay striker Christian Stuani is expected to shake off an abdominal injury to spearhead the hosts' attack.
Midfield duo Papa Diop and Gonzalo Colsa are also likely to overcome minor knocks and start Sunday's match, however, Greece midfielder Alexandros Tziolis misses out with a knee problem.
Roberto Soldado, Mehmet Topal and Jeremy Mathieu are all set to be restored to the Valencia line-up after being rested for the Copa del Rey win over local rivals Levante.
Dani Parejo, who has found himself surplus to requirements at the Mestalla, is unlikely to be included in the squad travelling to Santander.
Los Che coach Unai Emery may hand a start to Argentina forward Pablo Piatti after the winger scored a brace in the midweek win over Levante.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
- Racing Santander, who are just a point above the relegation zone, were on a five-game unbeaten run before succumbing to Getafe last weekend.
- On-loan striker Christian Stuani (pictured) is the Cantabrian club's leading scorer this season with nine goals.
- Racing were renamed Real Santander during the period of Francoist Spain, due to the prohibition of non-Spanish names.
- Valencia are on a three-game winless streak in La Liga.
- Los Che have avoided defeat in their last six games against Racing (W4 D2).
- The Mestalla club have won La Liga six times in their history, with the last title coming in 2004.
Despite their recent stuttering form in the league, Valencia will be on a high after dispatching Levante with ease in the Copa del Rey to set up a semi-final with Barcelona. Los Che have far too much quality for their hosts and the smart money is on them bouncing back from their mini-slump.
Editor's Prediction
Racing 0-2 Valencia 
