I think this game will be very interesting. It’s the first game of Gary Neville as a head coach in the Spanish league. Valencia failed in the Champions League, losing 0-2 to Lyon. And they deserved that loss, Neville admitted. Now they are facing a tough away game in Eibar.
Valencia haven’t won in la Liga for a while. There was a sensational away win in Vigo – 5:1. Then, there was the home draw against Las Palmas, the loss from Sevilla and the win against Barcelona, which, I think, could be regarded as a win. I think British football pundit and now head coach Gary Neville has got some ideas how to change the situation.
Eibar haven’t won in the last three matches. It’s hard to play again them – they are very snappy. Eibar are good at destroying opponents’ attack. Their good qualities are physical form, team spirit and composure.
But there’s a trend – Eibar often concede goals in second halves, very often. They conceded 12 out of 16 in second halves. They conceded six goals in the last 15 minutes of the game. Maybe they lack stamina, as Mendilibar’s football is too physical. I think Valencia won’t rush forward, trying to change their situation as soon as possible. If Eibar score in the first at home, they concede in the second half. They lost the advantage over Celta and Sevilla. The same could happen against Valencia. That’s why Valencia’s goal in the second half seems logical to me.
There’s a more risky choice. I think the highest scoring half will be second. I think everything will happen there. Valencia should gain form. Injured Mustafi and Negredo are returning to pitch.