Racing Santander Targets Valencia as Aguirre Begins Tenure

Racing Santander will host Valencia at El Sardinero on Thursday as both clubs prepare for a crucial league fixture, with the visitors seeking a turnaround under new manager Javier Aguirre. Racing aims to recover from two heavy defeats, while Valencia, bottom of the table with four points, needs a win to improve its position and rebuild confidence.

According to diariodealicante.net, Racing returns to competitive action at its home ground after nearly a month without a league match. The team suffered a 7-2 defeat in Barcelona and lost 5-0 at Balaídos before the international break.

Racing coach José Alberto López used the three-week interruption to assess tactical adjustments and work on alternative formations. However, significant changes to his starting lineup are not expected.

One option under consideration is a three-man midfield featuring André Almeida, Prati and Iván Martín. Almeida, who is on loan from Valencia, is eligible to face his parent club because his agreement contains no clause preventing him from playing. The change could move Sergio Canales to the right wing.

Pablo García's workload with Spain's under-21 national team has also influenced Racing's preparations. The coaching staff has monitored his physical condition following his international commitments and adjusted his training to help him approach the match in suitable condition.

Andrés Martín has returned to the squad after recovering from an injury, providing another option for Racing's attack. He is expected to begin on the bench, with his involvement in the second half depending on the course of the match.

For Valencia, Aguirre begins his tenure with pressure to collect three points and reverse a difficult start to the season. The Mexican manager had two and a half weeks to work with the squad during the international break and assess the changes needed to improve the team's performances.

Valencia's recent confidence had begun to improve during Óscar Sánchez's brief spell in charge following the dismissal of Carlos Corberán. Aguirre now faces the task of building on that progress while addressing the team's position at the bottom of the standings.

The visitors have several players returning to availability. Central defenders César Tárrega and Mouctar Diakhaby have received medical clearance, while forward Arnaut Danjuma is expected to travel after recovering from an ankle injury.

However, Luis Rioja and defender José Copete remain doubtful. Dimitri Foulquier, Umar Sadiq, Diego López and Sergi Canós are unavailable because of injuries, limiting Aguirre's selection options for his first match.

The fixture also brings several former Valencia players into focus. Racing goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala represented Valencia last season, while Canales will face his former club. Almeida's availability gives Racing another midfield option against the team that owns his contract.

Pablo García is another player Valencia will need to monitor closely. The Racing attacker scored against Valencia in the opening league match of the season while playing for Betis and returns from under-21 international duty as one of the home side's attacking options.

Racing's probable lineup is Agirrezabala; Mantilla, Pablo Ramón, Belocian, Salinas; Pablo García, Prati, Canales, Iván Martín, Íñigo Vicente; and Zabiri.

Valencia's projected starting team is Dimitrievsky; Maffeo, Tárrega, De Haas, Gayà; Otorbi, Guido, Pepelu, Sato; Javi Guerra; and Hugo Duro.

Luis Bestard, representing the Balearic Committee, will referee the match at El Sardinero Sports Fields. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:00 p.m.