Group B is still wide open at the moment with only one point separating the top three teams. Valencia are sandwiched between Lille and Genoa in 2nd at the moment but a win against the French side at Mestalla on Wednesday would put them top and give them the advantage heading into the last game in two week`s time. Valencia were denied victory by Real Mallorca on Saturday in a match which they dominated and should have won. They do not need to change too much but there will be one forced rotation. David Silva hurt his knee in the first half at the weekend and won`t play again in 2009. He joins Vicente, Manuel Fernandes and Nacho Gonzalez on the injury list. Joaquin Sanchez is the most likely replacement for the Canary Island forward. Another key attacker, David Villa, is one of three players suspended for this tie. Ruben Baraja and Jeremy Mathieu are also banned. Miku and Nicola Zigic will be competing for the position at the top of the pitch in the 4-2-3-1 formation. Mathieu`s absence could see Luis Miguel called up for the first time in three games. The Portuguese defender was sidelined by Emery as punishment for turning up late after international duty two weeks ago. Emery`s choices of rotations for the European campaign are limited by so many absentees. Given the position they find themselves in, Valencia should play the strongest team available. Moya will be hoping for a chance in place of Cesar, though. Valencia drew 1-1 with Lille away in September. Their form in the last five is DWDWD.
Lille
Lille face a tough challenge on Wednesday night, when they will make the potentially perilous trip to the Mestalla to face Valencia, whom they drew 1-1 with in the opening round of Europa League fixtures. Rudi Garcia’s men have tended to reserve their best for Europe, but they have shown some glimpses of real form in league play. Prior to the latest international break they played reigning champions Bordeaux off the field, claiming a 2-0 victory against Laurent Blanc’s men, while on Saturday they produced arguably their strongest performance of the season to date, sweeping aside regional rivals Valenciennes 4-0. Both of those classy showing have been at form, and they did sandwich a rather unconvincing loss against Montpellier on the road, so nothing will be taken for granted. A rotated squad is likely to be employed against the European giants. A 4-3-3 formation has been the order of the day in Ligue 1, but this may be modified for Europe. Robert Vittek and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have regularly been employed in Europa League play, and they have tended to pose problems, despite featuring irregularly in the league. Indeed, Aubameyang did not even make the squad last weekend. Dumont has frequently played in the centre of midfield in European matches this term, but he is carrying an injury and misses this game. Cabaye, who scored the fourth at the weekend, and holding midfielder Mavuba are likely to be favoured, though the latter has rarely played in Europe this term. Hazard was left on the bench at the weekend and it must be anticipated he will start, while Gervinho may be rested on the bench. Though only Plestan is likely to sit out from the defence, there is little scope for change in that area of the squad. Landreau will start in goal for les Dogues.
Betting advice
Even though Los Che miss creative Villa and Silva, I think we could see an open match at the Mestalla tonight. Lille will surely get their chances.I am still recalling Valencia`s pathetic performance last year in the former UEFA Cup.Don`t see much changes this term.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Prediction:
Tip: 2 AH (+0.75)
Odd: 1.95
Bookie: Bet365
Stake: 9 /10
Tipster: Kather
