Rayo Vallecano v Valencia
La Liga
TO WATCH LIVE
TEAM NEWS
Rayo forward Koke has returned to the squad following injury, but Dani Pacheco - on loan from Liverpool - misses out. Veteran forward Raul Tamudo is also named in the matchday squad after a spell out, while Raul Bravo, Sueliton Pereira, Nestor Susaeta and Miguel Angel Sanchez 'Michel' are every omitted.
Valencia are without the injured Ever Banega, while Vicente Guaita and Victor Ruiz are doubts. They are put to rotate too, after being matches at home and in Europe against Real Madrid (2-3) and Genk (7-0). Miguel may be rested, with Antonio Barragan coming in at right-back, while Angel Dealbert could replace Ruiz at centre back.
MANAGER QUOTES
Jose Ramon Sandoval (Rayo): "Valencia are the leaders of what I call the 'regular' Liga. Barcelona and Real Madrid don't add up. We have to make sure Roberto Soldado doesn't get the ball - he is their danger man - but we can't just focus on one player."
Unai Emery (Valencia): "(Soldado) is the star of our team and he has got to this level through hard work. But we are clever to count on ourselves as a collective and this is why we are doing well."
Importance of valencia
Rayo Vallecano coach Jose Ramon Sandoval has a fully-fit squad to choose from as his side host Valencia - but has warned his players that despite their good begin to the season, their next three games will severely test their ability at this level.
The promoted side be seated in the top half of the Primera Division having lost only one of their last five matches. However, after Valencia they are away to Barcelona before facing Atletico Madrid next weekend.
"Whoever plays against Valencia will have to give their all and then we will see what happens,'' Sandoval told a press conference.
"The match against Valencia is right now our principle focus and if we win the three points we can approach the other games in a different manner, with the self-assurance that will give us.
"That is why the first match is so important, but we know they are three teams of Champions League-level quality.''
Valencia shook off the disappointment of beat at home to Real Madrid last weekend to thrash Genk 7-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday.
However, despite being cut adrift from the top two in the league and having the chance to progress in Europe in two weeks' time when they face Chelsea, midfielder Pablo Hernandez has stressed the importance of their next two league fixtures.
He told the club's website: "Right now there are two games to play in the league [before the Chelsea match], and we are set for a tough game against Rayo Vallecano.
"We want to beat them in order to keep up with the frontrunners.
"It's okay to have the journey to London in the back of our minds, but we should not get distracted and lose touch with Barcelona and Real Madrid as a result.
"Rayo play good football, they have come up from the second division and have the squad to stay up. It's going to be a tricky game.''
Victor Ruiz had to be substituted at half-time against Genk and is a doubt with a minor hamstring strain, while Vicente Guaita's wrist injury should ensure another league start for Diego Alves in goal.
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