Marcelino Confirms Four Absences For Leganés Match: Predicted Lineup

James

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Post on May 14, 2025

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Marcelino Confirms Four Absences for Leganés Match: Predicted Lineup & Tactical Analysis

Valencia CF manager Marcelino García Toral has confirmed four key absences for Sunday's La Liga clash against CD Leganés. This news throws a significant spanner in the works for the Bats, forcing the manager to adapt his tactics and potentially field a less experienced side. Let's delve into the confirmed absences, the likely starting XI, and the tactical implications for Valencia.

Confirmed Absences: A Blow to Valencia's Strength

Marcelino confirmed that four first-team players will miss the crucial encounter:

• Dani Parejo: The captain's absence will be keenly felt in midfield. His creative passing and leadership are vital to Valencia's game. The injury, reported as a minor hamstring tweak, is a setback but hopefully won't keep him sidelined for too long.
• José Gayà: The left-back's absence weakens the defensive solidity that Valencia usually boasts. His attacking contributions down the left flank are also a significant loss.
• Kevin Gameiro: The striker's pace and finishing ability will be missed in the attacking third. His absence leaves a gap that needs filling with a different tactical approach.
• Gonçalo Guedes: Another attacking outlet unavailable. Guedes' trickery and dribbling skills often create havoc for opposing defenses.

Predicted Lineup: Adapting to the Absences

With these significant absences, Marcelino will need to shuffle his pack. Here's a predicted lineup based on recent performances and the manager's tactical preferences:

Formation: 4-4-2

• Goalkeeper: Jasper Cillessen
• Defenders: Thierry Correia, Gabriel Paulista, Ezequiel Garay, Cristiano Piccini
• Midfielders: Carlos Soler, Francis Coquelin, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Ferran Torres
• Forwards: Rodrigo Moreno, Maxi Gómez

This formation prioritizes defensive solidity, given the absence of Gayà, while still offering attacking threats through the pace of Torres and the experience of Rodrigo and Gómez. The midfield will be tasked with controlling possession and limiting Leganés' counter-attacking opportunities.

Tactical Implications: A More Cautious Approach?

The absences might lead to a more cautious approach from Valencia. Instead of their usual high-pressing game, expect a more controlled possession-based style focusing on defensive stability. The midfield will play a crucial role in dictating the tempo and preventing Leganés from creating clear-cut chances. The wingers, Torres and Soler, will need to provide the width and attacking impetus usually provided by Guedes and Gayà.

Leganés' Threat: A Tough Test for the Revised Lineup

Leganés, despite their league position, are a resilient side capable of causing upsets. Their disciplined defence and organized counter-attacking capabilities will pose a significant challenge to Valencia's adjusted lineup. Valencia will need to be at their best to secure three points.

Conclusion: A Test of Valencia's Depth

This game against Leganés presents a crucial test of Valencia's squad depth. The absences of key players highlight the importance of squad rotation and the need for the remaining players to step up and deliver strong performances. While the predicted lineup suggests a potential change in tactical approach, Valencia's quality should still be enough to secure a victory, but it won't be easy. The match will be a compelling watch, offering insight into Valencia’s ability to overcome adversity and maintain their push for European qualification. Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis.