Valencia-Dynamo

By: Cesar | February 26th, 2009

As today’s Las Provincias says, ‘An unstable Valencia CF plays a volatile part of their season against an unpredictable Dinamo’ … or something to that effect.

It’s an important game, no doubt. But then again, it seems like every game is important these days.

Let’s take our thoughts away from runaway budgets and failed payments to the actual drama on the field of play.

Our Beloved hold a 1-1 away goal advantage against the tough Ukrainian side, courtesy of a David Silva goal in a snowy Lobanovsky Dynamo Stadium last week. But that’s not a safe bet.

The last 6 times we left someone’s ground with a 1-1 going back to the Mestalla, we’ve lost 4.

Also, one would think the home advantage would be helpful. Nope.
In our last 8 European matches at the Mestalla, we’ve won a grand total of ONE.
So pay attention: We’re not assured a spot in the quarterfinals just yet.

Coach Unai Emery will be without the services of Brazilian startlets Edu ‘Porcelain’ Gaspar, Renán Brito and Thiago Carleto, all injured and David Albelda, who is sanctioned.

Today’s squad? César, Guaita, Curro Torres, Alexis, Maduro, Marchena, Albiol, Moretti, Asier del Horno, Joaquín, Fernandes, Baraja, Vicente, Pablo, Mata, Morientes, Villa and Silva

Maduro’s good play as right back in last week’s league match against Deportivo could see him back in that spot, giving big-boned, injured Miguel a rest. Emiliano Moretti is also out, courtesy of injury. More Asier ‘Nightclub’ Del Horno action for us?
Could we possibly see a Vicente sighting as well? That’d be nice, eh?

As for Dynamo, who knows what we’ll see? This is only their 2nd match after their 2-month long winter break, so rust had to be a factor. Historically, they’ve only one once in 10 visits to Spain, a 4-0 victory over Barcelona in the group phase of the 1997 Champions League, a hat-trick by Andrei Shevchenko and one by Sergei Rebrov sending the Nou Camp faithful home unhappy.

A bright spot for the Ukrainian giants will be the return of their young international Aliev, whose been sitting on the sidelines suspended the past few weeks.

Unfortunately, striker Milevskiy, who scored against us last week, will sit regards of the red card he received last week. That could mean Kiev play with a sole striker, which I suppose could benefit us.

Then again, with our defense? Who knows?

Del Horno? Alexis? Marchena? Does it even matter? It’s not like any of them are any good, save Alexis, who has played once in three months.

This is a tricky match to predict. I’m sure the crowd will be in a frenzy. I’m sure the squad knows they need this game, more for pride and peace of mind than anything else.

So what do you make of it? I say 2-1 to Our Beloved.
David Villa, who should start, will score a double. Assists from Joaquin and Vicente.

No live blog today, as I am en route to Manhattan while the match is ongoing.
Feel free to text me the score as it comes in (for all those who have my phone number).

Also, make sure to check out Armada Naranja’s preview of the match. It’s shaping up to be a good Valencia fan site and one we hope does very well!

AMUNT! We really need this one …