CL MD2: Valencia v Chelsea

[LAF]

Should be an interesting game. Chelsea have been more like an episode of Dallas rather than a football club this past week. Valencia have more injuries.

More to follow...

[LAF]

David Albelda believes that Valencia have a great chance to beat Chelsea this week and gain a little revenge for the defeat in Champions Leagie last season.

The Spanish international midfielder is revelling in los Ché's recent run of good form and thinks that combined with the Blues' problems, his side can win.

Chelsea travel to Mestalla for the game on Wednesday with new manager Avram Grant under pressure and Albelda hopes to be able to add even more.

"Now is a good time to play Chelsea," he said.

"They have injuries and we are in a good run of form, especially in terms of results."

Albelda refutes suggestions that victory against Chelsea would mean that Valencia could consider themselves as virtually into the first knockout round.

"There is still a long way to go and we have to go to London and have to play Schalke at home as well sa taking on Rosenborgs twice," he continued.

"We will have to take it step-by-step."

Reflecting on defeat at the hands of the Premiership side last term, Albelda believes that it will be a very different game this time around.

"Last year we were very tired and not physically up for the challenge, but now things are very different," he explained.

"Things are a lot easier now. In football you are judged by results and since we won in Germany things have changed and we have a lot more faith in ourselves.

"The problems at the start of the season have been eradicated.

"When results are bad this is what usually happens as it is mucyh easier to blame the coach."

Finally, Albelda criticised the hectic schedule that has seen players have to play twice a week, almost every week, since the start of the season.

"The feeling is that we are treated like merchandise and we have no say when it comes time to draw up the fixture list," he complained.

"It is a battle that has been going on for many years and nobody has done anything to fix it."

Lucas Brown

Goal.com - Valencia - Now Is A Good Time To Play Chelsea - Albelda

[LAF]

Santiago Cañizares is battling to be fit in time to face Chelsea on Wednesday, while Manuel Fernandes and Carlos Marchena also remain doubtful.

The Valencia squad returned to training with all the players that did not appear against Recreativo on Sunday reporting for duty.

While the player were put through their paces, Cañizares trained alone as he bids to overcome a strain in his leg that saw him miss the weekend victory.

Marchena did not train at all after suffering from pains in his neck having been hit in the face by the ball during the Recre match and it remains to be seen if he will be fit to face the Blues.

Fernandes did not train either as he still has bruising on his legs and will be given until the last moment to decide whether he feels ready to play.

There was some god new for coach Quique Sánchez Flores as Vicente reported back after spending time in Madrid as he aims to finally shake off the problems that have plagued him for several months.

The Spain international winger was fined for criticising the club's doctors, but was still allowed to see specialists in the Spanish capital.

While Vicente trained in the gym, Jaime Gavilán was back with the squad for the first time and he came through the session without any problems.

Lucas Brown

Goal.com - Valencia - Valencia Wait For News On Injured Trio