Europa League Group A: Swansea can seal place in last 32 in style with win over Valencia

September 16, 2014

Swansea are considered 11/10 favourites by Paddy Power to repeat their win over Valencia in September and book their place in the last 32 of the Europa League

Swansea City have enjoyed a strong start to life in Europe and the reigning Capital One Cup champions could seal their spot in the next round with a win against Valenica at The Liberty Stadium.

Since beating Valencia 3-0 on the opening day of the group stages, the Welsh side have remained unbeaten in Group A and they currently sit second in the group knowing that a point could be enough to advance to the next stage.

Despite being home for the clash against Valencia, Michael Laudrup will be without several of his top attacking players as Michu, Wayne Routledge and Pablo Hernandez are all ruled out through injury.

This will give Ivorian striker Wilfired Bony the chance to continue his good scoring record in the competition as the focal point of The Swans attacking lineup having already netted 5 goals in 7 games in Europe for the Welsh side.

It won’t be easy for them though as Valencia have grown stronger from the opening defeat picking up three straight wins and jumping to the top of the table one point ahead of Swansea.

Valencia will have almost a full squad to choose from although substitute goalkeeper Vincent Guaita will not make the trip to Wales thanks to some injury problems.

With the La Liga side at full strength, it means that the likes of Jonas and Sergio Canales will be out to cause as much mayhem as they can for their opponents in a bid to seal the top spot for the Spanish side.

The other game in Group A will see the two underdogs in the game face off as Saint Gallen host Kuban Krasnodar in a must-win game for both sides in Russia.

Both teams are a minimum of 5 points behind Swansea and they know that they must win and hope Swansea lose to stand any chance of staying in the competition.

Kuban will hope that the experience and craftiness of Djibiril Cisee will make the difference on home soil as they look to get some payback for the 2-0 loss that Saint Gallen inflicted on them on the opening day.

Swansea know that even just a point tomorrow night against Valencia could be enough but The jacks will want to pick up the three points much like they did at the Mestalla and book thewir place in the next round in style.