Valencia v Sevilla Preview; With the Kids?

So today we take a trip to the ever-historic Mastalla, probably the nicest fútbol stadium in all of Spain (in my opinion anyway). We take on a Valencia side that is having a decent season but of late has been pretty inconsistent, of course this is no reason to take them lightly though.

This clash is going to be probably the most exciting out of the four quarter final matches. I mean just look at it, the winners of the Copa over the past two years are going head-to-head. Valencia of course with their victory last year and ours two seasons ago, in which both of us coincidentally enough, beat Getafe.

I really can’t call this one, its a tricky fixture and I don’t think it’s going to be high scoring, thats for sure. When we played them in the league earlier this year it was an extremely tight match and our defenses took centre stage in a thrilling 0-0 draw. I think there will definitely be some goals to show for tomorrow however and whoever gets the first one will probably win.

So as the title says, tomorrow we will have quite a few new faces in the squad as we’ve called up some of our “kids” from Sevilla Atlético for this encounter. Finnish striking sensation Pukki, Argentinean forward Armenteros and Spanish midfielder Cordero were all called up into the squad for the match because Drago and Duscher are back in Nervión, one with a slight knock, and one with a fever. Good news though as Palop is back after serving his one match ban and will get the start between the sticks meaning Vargas will be sent back down to Sevilla Atlético.

I don’t know about our kids playing a part in this match because in reality I can’t see us taking a significant lead, although with us, who knows, we’ve become so unpredictable this season I never know what’s going to happen. I’d love to see Pukki as he’s the top scorer on Sevilla Atlético and we could really use some goals this year but now that Chevantón is back I don’t think we will see him.

There is some bad news though as Freddie Kanouté is still nursing that slight injury he picked up against Numancia where he went off in agony holding his shoulder. He’s included in the squad that traveled to Valencia but is doubtful to start meaning it will be Fabiano and Chevantón - no complaints from me there.

Our defense has been second best to only Barça this year and I’m certain that if we can contain David Villa, David Silva, and Mata or Joaquín we will have a much better chance to win.

I predict a 1-0 or 2-1 either way, whoever gets that first goal will win it. Personally I would be satisfied with a draw going back home, but if we can take a lead, no matter by how many goals back, I would be more than happy. Either way, don’t expect anything less than an amazing match