Valencia Coach Mauricio Pellegrino is not fooled by the poor form of tomorrow's Champions League opponents Lille.
The Mestalla encounter brings together two sides who suffered disappointing starts in Group F, Valencia losing 2-1 to Bayern Munich in Germany, Lille falling to a shock 3-1 defeat at home to supposed whipping boys BATE Borisov.
Rudi Garcia's side are also in bad form domestically, but Pellegrino isn't taking them lightly.
“I know Lille's start hasn't been good,” the Argentine stated at his pre-match press conference. “But they are a team that have worked very well together for a long time. Despite losing a lot of quality players they have reinforced well. They are a rival that deserve considerable care.
“I wish for a victory, and for the team to provide a good show of football.”
The former Los Che centre-back preferred not to compare the current side to the one he was part of, which reached two Champions League Finals.
“We were very old, that team. This team has the best technical quality. Today is 2012 and the important thing is the game tomorrow.”
Pellegrino then discussed the composition of his 19 man squad.
“There are some casualties, but we will have 11 players eager to win the game. Joao Pereira should play. He will train tomorrow morning just to clear any doubts, but he has improved a lot.”
Valencia squad to face Lille: Alves, Guaita, Barragan, Joao Pereira, Victor Ruiz, Carlos Delgado, Cissokho, Gaya, Gago, Tino Costa, Portu, Parejo, Guardado, Viera, Bernat, Feghouli, Jonas, Valdez, Soldado
