Madrid, Dec 5 (IANS) Valencia coach Unai Enery and his side travel to London to prepare for their most important game of the season when they take on Chelsea in Stamford Bridge in the UEFA Champions League football Tuesday night.
Consecutive wins in their Champions League group have given Valencia a fighting chance of qualifying for the knockout stage of the competition with their 7-0 win against Genk giving them a superior overall goal average than the English side.
The fact that the two sides drew 1-1 in Valencia earlier in the season means that a win or a scoring draw with see Valencia into the next phase of the tournament, while a 0-0 draw would see Chelsea though by virtue of a superior head to head goal average.
Emery rested key players for his side’s 2-1 win against Espanyol Saturday night, although Roberto Soldado and Jonas Goncalves both came off the bench in the second half to help with the win. They will both be in the starting 11 uesday, along with club captain David Albelda.
Central defender Victor Ruiz should also be in condition to play after missing recent matches through injury, although Ever Banega is still absent as a result of his knee ligament injury.
It remains to be seen whether Miguel will be back in the side following recent disciplinary problems or whether Bruno or David Barragan will slot in at right back.
Chelsea have been under pressure following a recent poor run or form, but won 3-0 away to Newcastle on the weekend. It will again be a special occasion for their former Valencia midfielder Juan Mata, who has probably been Chelsea’s best player this season.
A win for the English side would help take the pressure off under fire coach, Andre Vilas Boas, while a defeat could see him lose his job. With Valencia also desperate to reach the last 16, it promises to be the match of the week with some much at stake for both outfits.
