Valencia target top spot

By Andy Hall

Valencia CF take on RC Deportivo La Coruña at the Riazor tonight with coach Claudia Ranieri demanding victory from his Primera División champions.

Aimar out
"We never go into a match thinking a draw will suffice," Ranieri said. "I always demand the very best from my players." The Italian coach is without injured Pablo Aimar, but goalkeeper Santiago Cañizares should play despite a tendon problem as Valencia look to go top. For Depor, who have won once in three games, Mauro Silva is still injured while Diego Tristán is suffering from a stomach bug and is unlikely to feature.

League leaders
Real Madrid CF lead the league on nine points after beating CA Osasuna on Tuesday, but six teams follow hot on their heels just two points behind. City rivals Club Atlético de Madrid could go top with victory at the Ciutat de Valencia stadium where their former player, Bernd Schuster, is now coach of Levante UD.

Levante boost
'Juanma' Gómez and Gustavo Reggi have recovered from injuries for Levante, while Atlético include Fernando Torres despite doubts over his fitness. Atlético coach César Ferrando has, however, omitted José Antonio García Calvo for tactical reasons.

European showdown 
UEFA Cup rivals Villarreal CF, winless in the league this season, and Sevilla FC meet at the Madrigal. Santiago Cazorla, Pepe Reina and Josico Moreno are all available for Villarreal, but Rodolfo Arruabarrena is out with a groin injury. For Sevilla, Jesús Navas replaces the injured Fernando Sales.

Wednesday action
Also on Wednesday, Real Betis Balompié face Athletic Club Bilbao, second-placed RCD Espanyol travel to bottom side Getafe CF, CD Numancia visit Málaga CF, Albacete Balompié host RCD Mallorca and Real Sociedad de Fútbol are at home to Real Racing Club de Santander.

Barcelona test
FC Barcelona and Real Zaragoza - who have both got off to excellent starts - meet at the Camp Nou tomorrow with coach Frank Rijkaard anticipating an exciting match. "They won't be afraid of us," he said. "They'll be looking for victory - both teams are the kind that play to win."