Mauricio Pellegrino is likely to opt for largely the same starting XI which romped past BATE Borisov in the last Champions League outing, though, goalkeeper Guaita may have to settle for a spot on the bench in favour of Diego Alves.
Fernando Gago is unlikely to feature following an injury suffered in the build up to Argentina’s recent friendly, and Jonathan Viera, who opened the scoring against Espanyol at the weekend, will be confident of retaining his berth in the centre of the park alongside Tino Costa.
Jupp Heynckes is likely to ring the changes for his side’s trip to the Mestalla. Franck Ribery should be restored to his left-wing role after being rested for last weekend’s draw with Nurnberg. Thomas Muller will be confident of regaining his playmaking berth ahead of Toni Kroos, while Xherdan Shaqiri will be hopeful of starting as Arjen Robben remains sidelined through injury. Claudio Pizarro should return to the starting line-up following his hat-trick in Bayern’s last Champions League clash.
Anatoliy Tymoshchuk is unlikely to feature following an ineffective showing against Nurnberg, with the reliable Luis Gustavo likely to replace the Ukranian alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger. Club captain Philipp Lahm featured for only half an hour at the weekend, and as such, is in line to start on the right side of defence.
- The Mestalla outfit’s last Champions League fixture ended in a 4-2 home win for Mauricio Pellegrino’s side over BATE Borisov.
- The 2004 Uefa Cup winners are yet to taste defeat in this calendar month, their last loss coming in an away fixture at Betis. The Spaniards currently sit eighth in the Primera Division table.
- Los Che’s only European loss this campaign came at the hands of Tuesday’s visitors, when Bayern Munich sealed a 2-1 opening day win over the La Liga outfit.
- The Bavarians also have nine points to their name, but trail their hosts on goal difference. The Bundesliga side were in fine form in their last Champions League outing however, cruising to a 6-1 victory over Lille as Claudio Pizarro (pictured, right) scored three first-half goals.
- Despite failing to record a win over Nurnberg in their last Bundesliga outing, die Roten continue to top their domestic standings. The Germans have failed to win just two of their twelve opening fixtures, and sit eight points clear of title holders, and Champions League Group D leaders, Borussia Dortmund.