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| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
VALENCIA  Guaita Bruno, Rami, Dealbert, Mathieu Topal, Costa Feghouli, Piatti, Jonas Aduriz | STOKE CITY  Begovic Wilkinson, Shawcross, Huth, Wilson Pennant, Palacios, Delap, Etherington Walters, Crouch |
Both sides will be expected to name similar line-ups to those which featured in the first leg last Thursday in order to rest players that were in action over the weekend.
Valencia suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Barcelona on Sunday, losing 5-1 thanks to a magical display from Lionel Messi, and will be looking to restore their pride against Stoke and improve on their one-goal advantage.
Los Che’s latest injury worry came in unfortunate circumstances after Ever Banega failed to secure his handbrake at a petrol station, resulting in his car running over his ankle. The midfielder now faces surgery on a double fracture, leaving him out of action for the rest of the season.
The Potters knocked Crawley Town out of the FA Cup at the weekend and will no doubt rotate the squad accordingly, replacing the fringe players with stronger individuals to try and overturn their deficit in this tie.
Matthew Upson is back from European suspension and could feature, whilst Dean Whitehead is doubtful after suffering a gashed shin in last week’s initial encounter at the Britannia Stadium.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
Last Thursday’s first leg was Valencia’s 100th game in the Europa League/UEFA Cup.
- Stoke City have won just one of their last five games in all competitions.
- Los Che are unbeaten in their last six European home fixtures – with four wins and two draws – their last defeat coming to Manchester United in the group stages of the Champions League in 2010.
- Potters striker Peter Crouch (right) has failed to score in six meetings with Spanish sides.
- In 32 games against English sides, Valencia have won nine, drawn 15 and lost eight.
- Before beating Stoke last week, Thursday’s hosts had not won in their last eight meetings with sides from England, with their last victory coming against Arsenal in March 2003.
Valencia had the edge in the first leg and on home turf many will expect them to dominate further to put the tie beyond the Premier League outfit. The support in the Mestalla will be overwhelming for the men in white and Stoke will find it hard to deal with an atmosphere that competes with their own at the Britannia, as well Los Che’s experienced winners.
Editor's Prediction
Valencia 2-0 Stoke City 
