Preview: Valencia-Girona

Valencia are boosted by the return of Coach Marcelino in their dugout when they face Girona, with the high-fliers winless in three.

Valencia boss Marcelino on his car crash with a wild boar before Christmas: “I’m feeling better with each day, although I still have cervical pain.

“We have to look forward. Three people [including his wife and mother] were reborn and we’re here. Recalling what happened? It’s difficult.

“We were going through a toll road for security. Suddenly we saw something in front of us and crashed, and what happened after that is difficult to say.

“Fortunately, all three of us are still here. The car and luck saved our lives.”

Girona boss Pablo Machin on his side’s ability to compete: “We want to get the most out of what we’re good at.

“Having analysed Valencia, we know we can compete well against them. We know we mustn’t let their strikers shine.

“We have to go back to being a competitive Girona again.”

Valencia (probable): Neto; Nacho Vidal, Garay, Gabriel, Gaya; Pereira, Parejo, Kondogbia, Guedes; Rodrigo, Mina

Injuries/suspensions: Soler, Javi Jimenez, Murillo (I) Montoya, Zaza (S)

Girona (probable): Bono; Maffeo, Juanpe, Bernardo, Ramalho, Mojica; Granell, Borja Garcia, Portu, Pons; Stuani

Injuries/suspensions: Alcala (I)

Referee: Fernandez Borbalan

Form guide: Valencia – 3rd (L L W L D) Girona – 10th (L W W L D)

Venue: Mestalla

Kick-off time: 15:15 GMT/16:15 local time

La Liga - Club News