Wednesday, March 7, 2012

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08.03. (Thu) 21:05 Valencia - PSV Eindhoven

Roberto Soldado - Valencia
Roberto Soldado - Valencia

PROBABLE LINEUPS

VALENCIA

Guaita
Bruno, Rami, Ruiz, Mathieu
Topal, T. Costa
Feghouli, Jonas, Jordi Alba
Soldado
PSV

Isaksson
Manolev, Marcelo, Bouma, Pieters
Wijnaldum, Strootman
Labyad, Toivonen, Mertens
 Matavz

Unai Emery's team are still without Ever Banega, Sergio Canales and Hedwiges Maduro, who are all recovering from long-term injuries.

Right-back Miguel will also miss the match after picking up an knock against Barcelona last month, with Bruno taking his place.

For the Dutch side, defender Erik Pieters, who missed around four months with a fractured foot, will likely return to the starting XI at the expense of Jetro Willems. The Dutch international returned to action as a substitute at the weekend and appears to have reached full fitness.

No other serious injuries look to impact PSV ahead of Thursday's game.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Valencia are in the round of 16 after being eliminated in the group stage of the Champions League, before defeating Stoke City in the round of 32.
  • The hosts are coming off a victory over the weekend against Granada, where Sofiane Feghouli scored the winner in the first half.
  • The two teams met at the turn of the millennium in the Champions League group stage, with a 1-1 draw and a 2-0 win to Valencia the results. Current PSV defender Wilfred Bouma and Los Che veteran David Albelda were both on their respective team at that time.
  • PSV lost 6-2 to Eredivisie title rivals Twente at the weekend. 
  • The Dutch lost to Valencia in a friendly in July 2011, where goals from Pablo Piatti and Aritz Aduriz earned Unai Emery's side a 2-0 victory.
  • Both sides have a Uefa Cup title to their names, with PSV having won the competition in 1978, while Valencia triumphed in 2004.
Prediction
The Dutch defence will find it tough to contain the quick Valencia wingers and the guile of Roberto Soldado, as Unai Emery's men aim to finish Thursday with one foot in the quarter-finals.
Editor's Prediction
Valencia 2-0 PSV