Valencia's new boss Ernesto Valverde will take charge of Los Che for the first time since his appointment on December 3rd. He doesn't actually take control of the club until Thursday, and he'll watch the game from the stands as Salvador Gonzalez runs things on touchline.
Valencia vs. Lille: Preview and TV schedule
Valencia’s new manager will be in the building, but not on the touchline, as Los Che try and win Group F
Manuel Queimadelos Alonso
Valverde’s in a pretty good spot with qualification in to the Round of 16 assured, but there’s still work to be done. If Valencia can get a better result against Lille that Bayern Munich does against BATE Borisov, they’ll win the group. Matching Bayern won’t do as the Germans hold the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Still, it’s a nice position to be in knowing that even if things go south, you’ll still be in the Champions League. Certainly a better situation that say, Rafa Benitez.
Lille’s Champions League campaign is over and there Europa League chances are basically non-existent. They’ll be playing for pride and the chance to spoil Valencia’s shot at winning the group...if they want.
Valencia injuries and suspensions
Out: Joao Pereira (calf), Roberto Soldado (suspended), Sergio Canales (knee), Jeremy Mathieu (undisclosed), Antonio Barragan (suspended). In doubt: None.
Lille injuries and suspensions
Out: Djibril Sidibe (suspended), Benoit Pedretti (suspended), Tulio de Melo (hamstring). In Doubt: Ryan Mendes (ankle).
Ryan Mendes should be available for LIlle after recovering from an ankle injury. For Valencia, Pereira was unable to recover from a calf problem and was left off the traveling squad, while Soldado and Barragan are both suspended.
Match Date/Time: 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Grand Stade Lille Métropole, Villeneuve d’Ascq, France
TV: DirecTV (U.S.), Sky Sports Red Button (U.K.)
Online: FOX Soccer 2 Go (U.S.), Sky Sports Interactive (U.K.), Sportsnet World Online (Canada)
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