Valencia CF starts the second half of the season with an away game at the Estadio de la Cerámica against Villarreal CF in what is going to be an exciting match to watch. Both teams have so far been at a similar level of performance with only 2 points separating them. Villarreal CF sits at 9th position on the table with Valencia CF following suit at 10th position and looking to overtake them with a direct win over them tomorrow.
Valencia CF has been more proficient at the front this season with Gattuso installing a more attacking setup and mentality which has resulted in 22 goals in 14 matches, while Villarreal CF are somewhat more conservative and more defense focused with only 15 goals scored, but also only 10 goals conceded, 5 less than Valencia CF.
Valencia CF has again been slow on the renewal front and is likely going to lose Diakhaby and Tony Lato this winter transfer window, just when we though everyone is going to stay, and we'll see some stability at the team. Tony Lato has been offered a one-year extension of his contract with a smaller salary than his current one, so it's only a matter of time before the player leaves for a new team. Diakhaby on the other hand has been offered a contract extension with a slight increase in his salary, but the player has not accepted the new contract and is likely pondering to leave.
Valencia's winter friendlies have been all over the place with the club winning some and then losing some, so a mixed bag and nothing really to garner from it, we just have no clue at what level the team is at right now. Villarreal CF is going to be a real test to see where the team is at, what is our current level and if we can muster up some offensive for a possible European place or if we are doomed yet again for a mid-table finish.
The only injury woe for Valencia CF is Jaume Domenech who is out for a ligament injury and is likely going to sit out the next two to three weeks. Everyone else seems to be fit and healthy and should be available for selection.
Valencia CF lineup: Mamardashvili; Correia, Comert, Ozkacar, Gaya; Musah, Gonzalez, Almeida; Castillejo, Cavani, Lino