Valencia – Racing Santander: Los Che begin life without Juan Mata

Mestalla

Los Che begin their La Liga campaign without Juan Mata after he completed his move to England earlier this week.

Nevertheless, Coach Unai Emery still has a bundle of talent to choose from, despite the outflow of no fewer than 16 players. Sergio Canales is in line for his debut having joined on a season long loan from Real Madrid with the general consensus on the coast to expect big things from him.

As for the visitors, Racing have a number of off-field issue to address. Majority shareholder Ahsan Ali Syed has thus far failed to deliver his promise to the supporters and invest in the team.

On the pitch, they face hard times ahead in avoiding relegation to the Segunda. Visiting Mestalla for their opener is just as hard as it gets.

Valencia (4-2-3-1): Guaita; Miguel, Rami, Costa, Mathieu; Albelda, Parejo; Hernandez, Piatti, Canales; Soldado.

Racing (4-2-3-1): Tono; Francis, Torrejon, Alvaro Gonzalez, Cisma; Colsa, Adrian; Kennedy, Acosta, Munitis; Ariel.

League form: Valencia last five home L-W-L-W-D
Racing last five away L-W-L-W-L

Did you know… Racing beat Valencia over two-legs in the Supercopa de Espana in 2004. They lost the first-leg 1-0 at home before running out 3-1 winners in the return to claim their first Supercopa.

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