Valencia had a successful start in the Spanish Cup, where in the first two stages they easily dealt with Utrillas (3:0), Arenteiro (3:1) and Cartagena (2:1). It was not an easy test for the team in the 1/8 finals, where, not without a share of luck and work, the “orange” overcame “Baleares” (1:0). The tenth place of the team in La Liga cannot but rejoice. For 20 rounds the “bats” have chalked up seven wins and draws, which in the end brought 28 points. After a series of brilliant victories, the wards of Jose Bordalas suffered two defeats in a row from Espanyol (1:2) and Real Madrid (1:4). Soler, Costa, Gomez and Gabriel Paulista will not be able to play today.
Manchester United lost in the first round of the League Cup, where they could not cope with West Ham, but confidently beat Port Vale (4:1) and made it to the 1/16 finals of the FA Cup. The team brilliantly passed the tournament distance of the Champions League group stage, in which the Mancunians chalked up three wins and two peaceful outcomes, which allowed them to take first place in the group and reach the playoffs of the tournament. In the championship the “Red Devils” are not particularly encouraging. Moreover, the failure in the first half of the tournament, which deprived the team of a place in the top four, brought the resignation of the head coach, who was replaced on November 29 by Ralf Rangnick. Over 20 rounds of the current Premier League championship, the Manchester United have recorded nine wins and five peaceful outcomes, which brought 32 points and seventh position in the standings. After success in a duel with Burnley (3:1) the guests lost to Wolverhampton (0:1) and drew with Aston Villa (2:2). Ronaldo, Pogba, Martial and Bailly, who left for the African Cup team, will not be able to take part in the match today.
