Barcelona v Valencia preview: Gary Neville out to spring surprise
Wednesday 3 February 2016 15:50, UK
Gary Neville will be hoping his Valencia side can put their league woes to one side and spring a surprise in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Barcelona on Wednesday night.
It has not gone to plan for the current England coach, as he remains winless in eight La Liga matches since taking charge at the Mestalla.
The King's Cup has been a happier hunting ground for Neville, after guiding his side to the last four, but Barcelona represent as tough a challenge as it gets, especially at the Nou Camp.
The treble winners have won eight in as row in all competitions, and have not tasted defeat since early October as they look to end the season with five trophies, but boss Luis Enrique is taking nothing for granted.
"As for the difficulties we expect those attached to Valencia as a team with a few variations from the Nuno (Espirito Santo) era," Enrique said. "A team that dares to put pressure and has a remarkable individual technical quality. And as it happens with these kinds of knockout rounds it will be tough."
Team news
Lionel Messi should be fit to face Los Che on Wednesday night after recovering from a heavy challenge from Felipe Luis in the weekend win over Atletico Madrid.
The Argentine superstar was forced to miss training on Monday as a result, but Enrique confirmed Messi has been passed fit.
Valencia will be without Enzo Perez after taking a blow to the face against Gijon, but Neville hopes the midfielder will be back in contention for the league game at Real Betis on Sunday.
Top scorer Paco Alcacer is expected to step up his training in the next few days, while Javi Fuego should join in again next week.
Russian midfielder Denis Cheryshev and Brazilian defender Guilherme Siqueira could make their debuts following loan moves from Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
Follow our live coverage from 7pm as Barcelona look to continue their winning streak
