This was supposed to be the decisive clash in the battle for the final Champions League berth, but with Malaga banned from playing in Europe there may be something missing when the two sides square off at Mestalla.

While Valencia players are obviously not to blame for the serious problems within the club, the fact is the turmoil has affected their performances as well.

This may be the reason why los Che are four points adrift of Champions League places with just seven games to go, although that does not mean they won’t try to make things right during the season finale.

Valencia have seriously raised their game under Ernesto Valverde and they would probably have few more points to their tally had they had a smile from the Lady Luck every once in a while.

The goal they conceded with the last kick of the game at Cornella El Prat could end up costing them dearly in the final count, but the Malaga game can be seen as an opportunity to return to the right track.

With their opponents suffering from fatigue due to their Champions League exploits, Valencia are 1.67 (2/3) at BetVictor to return to winning ways.

Tino Costa is set for a two-week spell on the sidelines, but Juan Bernat returns from international duty. Sergio Canales is doubtful with a hamstring problem and Ricardo Costa is suspended.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Guaita – Pereira, Ruiz, Mathieu, Guardado – Parejo, Albelda – Feghouli, Banega, Jonas – Soldado.

Malaga have been exceeding expectations this season in spite of the club being in difficult financial situation and they almost made it to Champions League semi-finals.

Los Boquerones were unfortunate to concede two injury-time goals in Dortmund, but at least they can now fully focus on their La Liga campaign.

Malaga players won’t be too disappointed that their top 4 chances suffered a blow after the 4-2 defeat in Sociedad, given that they won’t be playing European football next term whatever happens.

Los Boquerones, nevertheless, hope to at least finish the league campaign in European positions so that they can ensure the ban stands for next season, which would help them concentrate on achieving a top 4 finish in the 2013/2014 campaign.

Malaga may have returned to winning ways thanks to last-gasp win over Osasuna, but they are, nonetheless, 6.00 (5/1) at Stan James to win at Mestalla.

The good news is that Roque Santa Cruz has recovered from illness, but Jeremy Toulalan and Pedro Morales are not yet ready to return.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Caballero – Gamez, Demichelis, Weligton, Eliseu – Camacho, Iturra – Joaquin, Baptista, Isco – Saviola.

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