Valencia: La Liga candidates?

It's early doors but last weekends win over Athletic Bilbao in the San Mames has suddenly catapulted Valencia into the spotlight, with the press eager to announce their arrival as La Liga candidates. What's certain is that they´ve jumped up to third place in the table and have only lost once so far this season. The two home draws against Sporting and Mallorca are the only reason they aren't right at the top challenging Barca. Away from home they have been impeccable, with six wins out of seven and in David Villa they have the most lethal marksman in the league.

Since the Rafa Benitez era, 'Los Che' have suffered, with the reign of Ronald Koeman almost relegating them to the second division in 2008. Yet after an uncertain start, Unai Emery has put smiles back on faces at the Mestalla, with the club even going strong in the UEFA Europa League and the Copa del Rey. He has found a formation that works; a 4-2-3-1 with the old guard of Albelda and a rejuvenated Marchena protecting the back four and allowing the potent attacking force of Pablo Hernandez, Juan Mata, David Silva (now injured and ably replaced by Joaquín) and David Villa to do the rest. With quality on the bench in the form of Zigic, Banega, Maduro and Miguel, they have the squad to fight on three fronts.

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I have my doubts whether they will be able to present a serious challenge for the league, simply because after the loss of Raul Albiol to Madrid, their defence isn't quite up to scratch. Third place is well within their means providing they keep hold of David Villa and David Silva. However they can definitely have a say in who does win La Liga, starting with next weekends match against a Ronaldo-less Real Madrid.