European champions Barcelona continue their quest for a second consecutive treble when Gary Neville’s off-form Valencia visit the Camp Nou in the first-leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tonight.
Valencia’s run to the last four of the tournament has been the only positive of a difficult start for the England coach in his first managerial role.
Neville’s men face the most daunting task possible if they are to reach the final for the first time since 2008 against a Barca side that has not lost in 26 matches in all competitions.
Photo: EPA
However, Neville insists he is embracing the challenge of returning to the scene of one of his greatest triumphs where, as a player, he won the UEFA Champions League with Manchester United back in 1999.
“I cannot wait for Wednesday night and I think the players will be the same. These are the moments you live for as a coach and a player,” he said.
One of Neville’s boldest moves has been to name top scorer Paco Alcacer captain in place of Dani Parejo, and he is hopeful the Spanish international is to be fit to feature after two weeks out with an ankle injury.
“By Tuesday, we will have a full complement of players. Paco is looking good and is back running again,” Neville said.
The visitors could also hand debuts to Denis Cheryshev and Guilherme Siqueira after they sealed loan deals from Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid respectively until the end of the season.
Cheryshev’s inclusion in the Real team for their Copa del Rey opener at Cadiz saw them thrown out the competition as he was suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards last season.
However, he is free to feature at the Camp Nou.
“Barcelona are a great opponent, but Valencia also can also do some damage,” Cheryshev said.
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