Valencia & Athletic poised for 1st leg of triple-header

Team News:

- Valencia CF: Zakaria Bakkali (injured).

- Athletic Club: Ibai Gomez, Iñaki Williams (injured); Raul Garcia (suspended).

Match Facts:

Valencia CF (11th, 31 pts):

-  Gary Neville's men have finally started to rediscover their form of old and the aim is to now maintain the fine recent run of form. On the back of victories in their last two Liga BBVA clashes, against RCD Espanyol (2-1) and away to Granada CF (2-1),  plus the Europa League triumph against Rapid Vienna, the real acid test comes in games against stern opposition like Athletic. 

- This is the first instalment of three games between the two sides in the coming weeks. The pair will face each other in the Europa League quarter-finals and this game is set to provide a barometer ahead of the subsequent clashes. It mustn't be forgotten either that both sides are also direct rivals in La Liga and are involved in the fight to claim a European spot for next season.

 TRAINING SESSION | Good atmosphere before the game against @AthleticClub ➡ https://t.co/fEpLUSai4hhttps://t.co/IPaHDTAWl0

— Valencia CF English (@valenciacf_en) February 27, 2016

Athletic Club (8th, 35 pts):

- Comparing Valencia's recent upturn in fortunes with the Basque outfit's form of late, things really couldn't be any more different. Athletic came away with nothing to show from their last two tricky league games, against Real Madrid (4-2) and in the home derby defeat to Real Sociedad (1-0). Mestalla looks to be the perfect setting for them to cure their recent ills. 

- Speaking ahead of the game, Ernesto Valverde had the following to say about Los Che, "We know that Valencia are enjoying one of their best spells of the season. They've won four on the bounce and they've got some great players. It'll be a great game."

What is there to do in Valencia?

Enjoy a bike ride in the 'Jardines del Turia' which will leave you feeling as if you're in the middle of the countryside despite being right in the heart of the city. The 9km route begins in the 'Parque de Cabecera'. On your journey you'll take in museums, monuments, bridges spanning from the medieval era right up until the modern day. The route ends at the City of Arts and Science.

Getting to Mestalla

Address: Avenida de Suecia, 46010 Valencia.  Bus: Line 10 to Avenida Aragón opposite the stadium.  Train: Central del Norte station  Stadium location here.

Time: 16:00 CET 
Stadium: Mestalla
Referee: Gil Manzano, Jesus
TV: Watch the game in your country.
Hashtag: #VCFvATH
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