Valencia eye derby win

Valencia are aiming to become the first team to take points from Villarreal at home this season when they visit El Madrigal on Saturday.

While regional bragging rights are always up for grabs in the fixture, this weekend there is the added significance of the match being a contest between third and fourth in the La Liga table, with Villarreal three points above Valencia.

Valencia were the early front-runners this season before suffering a dip in form, while Villarreal are one of the few teams potentially equipped to keep pace with leaders Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Regardless of the tough task, Valencia stalwart David Navarro believes his teammates have what it takes to trouble their rivals.

“I’m up for it. It’s a very good game to play in, it’s a derby and I’d love to be on the pitch on Saturday,” Navarro said.

“We got a victory against Getafe and picked up the boost in confidence that we needed.”

“Villarreal are in good form. I watched them last week against Barcelona. Maybe we aren’t in such good form, but we are picking up confidence. This game is a different one, and anything can happen. We’re going out there to work hard and, above all, to give a good performance.”

“We know what is at stake in this game and that we can make up ground.”

Villarreal midfielder Borja Valero believes that Valencia remain a dangerous proposition, despite losing star men David Villa and David Silva in the close season.

“They still have a great squad,” Valero said.

“They had Villa and Silva, but they have signed well and have a very balanced squad. They know when to attack and make the game difficult.”

“At the moment however we do not care who we play. We are confident in our own ability and are eager to continue proving that we deserve to be at the top of the table.”

“When you play in front of your own fans, you play a little better, and calmer. Maybe that’s why we are getting such good results here.”