Previews
SAT 04.10.2014
The Mestalla stadium will provide the stage for a passionate clash between Valencia CF and Atlético Madrid on Saturday, in what promises to be one of the most attractive and closest matches on Liga BBVA matchday seven.
Both sides come into the match with 14 points and they sit in second and third position in the table, respectively. However, while the Ché are coming off the back of a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad, the side from the capital travel to the east coast having beaten Sevilla FC 4-0 and Juventus 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League.
Team news
Striker Álvaro Negredo, who continues to recover from a broken metatarsal in his right foot, is the most notable absence from Valencia’s squad. For the visitors, midfielder Gabi is back in the fold after an injury to his right ankle, while Mario Suárez is off the list with a muscle strain.
Views from the dugout
Diego Simeone, Atlético’s manager, praised his opponents: "We’ll try to be competitive against an opponent that is progressing and has built a great squad. They have a great coach and work very well on the counter".
For his part, Nuno Espírito Santo, the Valencia coach, was optimistic: "We are trying to progress. I am confident that we are looking good going into the match, we’re very motivated and have to make the most of that".
© LALIGA - 2014