Sevilla and Valencia will go head to head on Thursday night in an all-Spanish semi-final in the Europa League.
The game sees former Valencia coach Unai Emery have the chance to
take a home advantage for the return leg against his former club next
week.
Sevilla have been in excellent form in recent weeks, climbing up to
fifth place in the BBVA Primera Liga while at the same time progressing
in Europe, something that is not easy given the toll that playing on
Thursday and Sunday takes on players.
Even though Sevilla's weekend match in the BBVA Primera Liga sees
them travel to face Athletic Club Bilbao in a game which could determine
whether or not they are able to overtake the Basque side in fourth
place, Emery is putting out his strongest side against Valencia and will
repeat the starting 11 which so convincingly overcame a 1-1 first leg
defeat away to Porto in the quarter-finals.
That means Carlos Bacca will lead the attack, backed up by the
talented Ivan Rakitic, while Kevin Gameiro awaits his opportunity on the
bench.
Valencia coach Juan Antonio Pizzi has more problems with his starting 11, given the injury worries in central defense.
Victor Ruiz, Ricardo Costa and Phillipe Senderos are also struggling
with physical problems and although Senderos could make the subs' bench,
Pizzi won't risk him and will probably opt to play defensive
midfielder, Javi Fuego alongside Jeremy Matthieu.
Despite a magnificent fightback from a 3-0 defeat in Basile in the
first leg of the quarter-final, it has been a disappointing season
overall for Valencia.
The team is currently drifting in mid-table in La Liga and this is
their only chance of achieving anything this season. The most positive
aspect of the season for the club is the emergence of youngsters Paco
Alcazar, Juan Bernat and Fede Cartabia, all of whom will start on
Thursday night.

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