Valencia against Manchester United

Nani chases past a tired looking Mathieu and his pull-back is met by Hernandez, who sees his shot blocked by Navarro.

Three minutes of added time to play.

Fernandes crosses and it delfects out to Hernadez on the edge of the box who scoops it clear.

Valecnia corner.

Into the final minute of the game, and Valencia streaming forward. They must be a touch puzzled as to how they are behind.

Pablo shoots from 20 yards but it's harmlessly into the grateful grasp of Van der Sar.

Cesar very unhappy with a challenge from Macheda and the keeper looked like he had to really stop himself throwing a punch at the young Italian.

Well, United may just have stolen it. Though let's face it, they've hardly been good at keeping it tight in the latter stages of games this season.

<b>Valencia 0-1 Man Utd.</b> The two substitutes combine, Nani fed Macheda who laid it back to Hernandez. One touch to take it into the area was followed by a ruthless left-foot finish by the Mexican.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL</b> Hernandez!

<i>Stats: Berbatov has not scored in 14 Champions League games. </i>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Macheda on for Berbatov.

Nani's right-wing cross met unmarked at the back post by a stretching Hernandez, who connects with it but sees his effort crash against the frame.

United hit the post!

I really wish there was more to report, it has been a real snoozefest!

Hernandez played through and he takes it to the byline before delivering an awful cross. He should have done significantly better there.

Handbags between Nani and Soldado after the latter holds onto the former's ankle.

Valencia looking much the more dangerous side.

<i>Stats: Valencia have lost their last two home games against English clubs, both in the Champions League and both against Chelsea. But before that they had not been beaten in 10 home games against teams from England, including three against United.</i>

Aduriz with a teasing cross from the left and it's inches away from a diving Soldado. Great ball.

Pablo crosses and Rafael throws himself at it to head the ball clear.

A bit more attacking intent suggested than O'Shea would have.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Hernandez on for Anderson.

Fernandes tries his luck with a rasping effort from 25 yards. Palmed out by Van der Sar.

A sea of white moves out of the area, playing a host of red shirts offside. Anderson's cross was too far anyway.

Nani caught by Mathieu and it's a free-kick down the right. Anderson and Nani both stepping up.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Fernandes on for Costa.

Pinpoint cross from Miguel, Soldado moves across Ferdinand and heads wide, with Van der Sar nowhere near it.

Vidic pointing to his chest to suggest that he has been stamped on and it certainly looked like it may have been deliberate.

Vidic down and he looks in agony after a clash with Navarro.

Aduriz advances and plays it to Mathieu, who crosses it in towrads Soldado. Good defending from Ferdinand as he judges it well to get in a crucial interception.

Evra and Berbatov link well but the left-back's shot is blocked by Navarro. Not sure if Evra should really be shooting from nearly 30 yards out.

O'Shea is warming up. Solid attacking change from Sir Alex then...not!

Fletcher and Park look to thread away through but Albelda tracks the Scotland captain and the ball escapes through to Cesar.

United are starting to see a bit more of the ball, but every time Mata and Pablo get the ball they look dangerous.

Carrick plays it to Berbatov, who had already turned away. Very sloppy indeed.

Cesar punches away and Nani's subsequent cross is defleccted away by Albelda.

United with a corner now and it's Anderson to deliver.

<i>Stats: Bryan Robson is the only United player to have ever scored at the Mestalla, in a 2-1 defeat to the home side in 1982. </i>

Soldado and Mata attempting to create something and the latter has looked much better in the second half.

Mata drives forward and picks out Pablo unmarked on the left of the area. He shoots and Nani deflects it towards goal, where Ferdinand is ready to hoof it clear.

Nani crosses towards Park, but plenty of defenders back to cover.

Rafael takes the ball off Soldado and the striker goes down just outside the area. The referee shakes his head, though there was certainly a slight suspicion of a foul.

Miguel shows good strength against Berbatov as Evra looked to play him in down the left channel.

Park fed by Berbatov but Miguel has the pace to match the industrious midfielder, leaving room for Cesar to collect.

Soldado escapes Rafael's clutches in the area, but his shot is wide.

Valencia switch to 4-4-2 and immediately have a corner, Rafael heading it out with Aduriz lurking behind him.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Aduriz on for Dominguez.

Carrick lashes one over from 30 yards.

First real chance of the game for United as they approach two-and-a-half hours of Champions League football this season without a goal.

Resulting corner sees Cesar fouled by Ferdinand.

Unbelievable touch from Berbatov, sensational stuff to turn inside Navarro and he runs into the area before seeing his shot saved by Cesar.

Ferdinand receives a dressing down from the ref for a shove on Soldado near the halfway line. Free-kick but no further action.

Excellent tackle back again from Mathieu, Anderson would have been in there.

Burst through from Carrick - really good run from the midfielder and he plays a good through ball to Anderson.

Short to Nani. Useless cross. Collected by Cesar.

Nani looks to engineer some space and United have a corner. Anderson to take.

He lays it off to Nani but the Portuguese's cross is just really poor.

Park sprints away for United and Rafael on the charge down the right.

Evra sprints down the left, but his touch is heavy and Los Che can regroup.

<i>Stats: Sir Alex Ferguson?s side have failed to score in 10 of their last 14 away games in Spain.</i>

Pablo again the key man, Evra was well out of position. The winger cut inside and unleashed a fierce left-foot strike, just wide of Van der Sar's left-hand post.

Chance for Valencia!

Mathieu chases back, though, and again gets a lucky deflection as Valencia win the goal-kick.

The ball breaks to Anderson and Nani runs at Mathieu, before releasing Rafael.

Berbatov in acres of space and he's headed it out for a throw. A bit of frustration there from the striker - who was gesticulating at his chest in a Tarzan-like motion.

No changes for either side, and it's United looking a bit more positive early on with Berbatov down the right...until he runs out of room.

And we're off for the second half...

Right then, we're back. I've had a little power nap at half-time and hopefully the players may have similarly recharegd their batteries. One positive for United - Rangers are 1-0 up which means that Buraspor sit bottom of the group with Ferguson's side in third.

<b>Valencia 0-0 Man Utd. </b> Well, not a lot to say about a thoroughly disappointing first half. Valencia definitely the better team but it's been really scrappy from both sides. Los Che have looked dangerous down the right, where Pablo has troubled Evra. But so far, this has really failed to live up to it's billing. Grab a cup of tea, and I shall see you in 15 minutes.

Half-time whistle goes...

But the whistle has already gone for a foul on Carrick by Mata.

Superb save by Van der Sar from Mathieu's dipping volley.

Now Valencia's turn to counter with Mata - great pace but Carrick does well to track back and tackle.

Mata short again with Pablo and again Nani intercepts. United's turn to counter.

Dominguez strikes one from 30 yards and it's deflected off Vidic's arm for a corner.

Quick feet from Pablo, before Miguel and Dominguez open United up, but the full-back's cross is headed away by Ferdinand.

Rafael heads it straight to Pablo, who is promptly closed dowen by Evra before, yet again, Carrick gives the ball away.

<i>Stats: United have only ever won one of 18 European matches away from home against Spanish sides (against Deportivo La Coruna in April 2002).</i>

Cleared to safety. Come on footballing gods, please liven this game up!!

Valencia now deep in United territory with Miguel.

Nani lobs one up over Mathieu's head and sprints away from him. He plays an optimistic through ball to Berbatov, bit the Bulgarian is punished for pulling down Navarro.

Short corner between Pablo and Mata but it's scooped away by Nani.

Carrick gives it away and Dominguez plays Soldado down the inside right. Corner after Ferdinand knocks it out.

Park pickpocketed by Albelda but the ball flies all the way through to the safe control of Van der Sar.

Absolutely awful delivery. Noit even past the first man. Dire.

Nani to take.

Carrick showing a turn of pace and skill (I'm not making it up, honest!) and he's won a free-kick in a dangerous position down the left.

Delicious ball from Pablo down the right. He eased past Evra and then planted a cross right into he danger zone, but it somehow slipped all the way through.

Costa with ANOTHER sloppy pass, Miguel unable to reach his wayward effort.

Cheers echo around the Mestalla as Pablo gives Ferdinand a strong shoulder.

United showing a worrying inability to keep possession.

Carrick gives the ball away and this has been a really scrappy first half an hour.

Good ball from Miguel to Pablo down the right, poor cross though and Ferdinand can head away comfortably.

Vidic gives it away and Albelda sends Soldado down the right, though the Serbian was wise to it.

<i>Stats: Valencia have won none of their last five Champions League home matches.</i>

Van der Sar closed down quickly by Soldado but he manages to put his foot through the ball. Just.

This game is in desperate need of some sort of spark, I'm starting to yawn here!

Dominguez with a jinking run down the right, but United have the ball back and have won a free-kick, Evra caught late by Miguel.

Just as I say that, Mathieu attempts a ridiculous cross from about 45 yards out and gives the ball away.

Valencia have kept possession well for the past few minutes.

For all the latest chat and goal updates from tonight's other games,<a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/live?id=828176&cc=5739" target="_blank">join Chris Murphy.</a>

Los Che breaking at pace with Pablo but his attempted through ball is threaded to a red shirt, not a white one.

Nani and Park combine well but the resulting cross doesn't reach Berbatov.

<i>Stats: United?s defeat at Bayern in last season?s Champions League quarter final ended a run of 16 games without defeat away from home and six away wins in a row.</i>

Nani crosses it towards Anderson, who made a great run to the front post. But the Brazilian just diverted it wide. Good movement.

Rafael advances down the right and looks for Berbatov with a low cross, but it's under-hit.

The cross comes in from Mata, Soldado thought the Dutchman would claim but he didn't. Unfortunately for Valencia, Soldado presumed Van der Sar would save it so his unexpected header just looped over.

Misjudged completely by Van der Sar!

Then Carrick, having won the ball back, gives it away cheaply - allowing Pablo to have a shot from 25 yards. Sails over.

Brought down beautifully by Dominguez and a lovely touch from Mata to keep it alive.

Whipped in but it's all the way through for a goal-kick.

Fletcher with a tasty little tangle down Valencia's right with Pablo, and it's a free-kick which Costa will swing in left-footed.

Ferdinand seeing plenty of the ball and he is looking a composed presence - maybe he will be the man to pulg United's leaky defence.

United holding onto the ball and Navarro brings down Anderson in midfield.

Nani again in some space but he is left disappointed after his cross rebounds back of Mathieu, onto him, and out for a goal-kick.

Pablo just starting to tuck in a little alongside Soldado.

<i>Stats: Valencia scored four goals from just five shots on target in their opening Champions League match against Bursaspor.</i>

Albelda looks long for Soldado and after ducking underneath it, Vidic is relieved to see Van der Sar claim it.

Great run from Nani, speeding away from Mathieu, but the left-back got back and drew a foul of frustration from the winger.

Berbatov released with a quick free-kick arrowed down the right and he looked to take on Mathieu but his touch was heavy.

Berbatov down the left, holding the ball up well. He knocks it back to Fletcher, who looks for the one-two with Park, but the South Korean;s return pass is a little stong.

This is the first time Carrick, Anderson and Fletcher have started a game together since January.

Not according to the referee, who has given another questionable goal-kick.

Berbatov lets fly having tiptoed into some space just outside the box, but his effort deflects wide of Maduro.

Carrick and Ferdinand try to build up some patient possession and Anderson drives United forward.

No Joaquin today after he injured his thigh in training, but Pablo has looked lively.

Bright start from Valencia, a lovely little flicked through ball from Soldado to feed Miguel down the right. But his cross is met by Van der Sar.

Mata and Soldado exchanging well and Pablo is brought down by Evra but it's just a goal-kick. A bit lucky there, the Frenchman.

The ball fired back towards Cesar early on and he's knocked straight up the other end, where Ferdiand has a touch.

And we're off...

The players are out on the pitch and we're ready to get going.

Apparently Rio's back was so bad on the way over that he had to stay standing up for most of the flight from England. Any turbulence and he would have been in trouble! Bit of a worry that for United fans...

Valencia beat United 2-1 at the Mestalla back in 1982 and they will be looking for a repat performance tonight.

Three 0-0 draws between these two sides in their six previous meetings, keep your fingers crossed it's not the same result tonight!

Sir Alex has just been chatting pre-match and he has said that Rio plays tonight because "his experience is vital".

In the Champions League this season, Valencia opened up with a dominant 4-0 victory against Bursaspor, while <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=823319&cc=5739" target="_blank">United drew a blank against Rangers</a>.

Michael Owen spared United's blushes in a 2-2 draw with Bolton at the weekend, but finds himself back on the bench again, despite <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=828132&sec=england&cc=5739" target="_blank">receiving praise from Ferguson</a>.

<i>Los Che</i> boss Unai Emery has done a great job of moulding a balanced team since star Davids Villa and Silva left the club over the summer and his side will provide a stern test for United.

Valencia are sitting pretty at the top of La Liga at the moment, and come into this game on the back of a 2-0 win at Sportig Gijon, courtesy of goals from Mehmet Topal and Roberto Soldado.

Kevin Palmer <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=827582&sec=uefachampionsleague&root=uefachampionsleague&cc=5739&cc=5739" target="_blank">caught up with Berbatov ahead of the game</a> , and the Bulgarian striker revealed his delight at being back among the goals recently.

No Wayne Rooney of course for Manchester United, <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=827657&sec=uefachampionsleague&cc=5739&cc=5739" target="_blank">he's out with an ankle injury</a>, which means Dimitar Berbatov - who has scored six goals already this season - will lead the attack.

<b>Man Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra,Carrick, Fletcher, Anderson, Nani, Berbatov, Park.</b> Subs: Kuszczak, Owen, Smalling, Hernandez, O'Shea, Macheda, Gibson.

<b>Valencia: Cesar, Miguel, Navarro, Maduro, Mathieu, Pablo, Albelda, Costa, Mata, Dominguez, Soldado. </b> Subs: Moya, Bruno, Topal, Aduriz, Feghouli, Fernandes, Ricardo Costa.

Hello everyone and welcome to live text commentary from Valencia v Manchester United at the Mestalla. First things first, I've got some team news for you...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/0929/wesbrownowngoal2001manchesterunitedvvalencia20100929_275x155.gif"><br> Last time the two side's met in the Champions League, back in the second group stage in 2001,Wes Brown's late own goal levelled things up in 1-1 draw. Valencia went on to lose to Bayern Munich in the final.

Join us from 1930 BST for build up to Valencia vs Manchester United, a match that on paper promises to be one of the most mouthwatering clashes in the Champions League so far this season.

Handbags between Nani and Soldado after the latter holds onto the former's ankle.

Valencia looking much the more dangerous side.

<i>Stats: Valencia have lost their last two home games against English clubs, both in the Champions League and both against Chelsea. But before that they had not been beaten in 10 home games against teams from England, including three against United.</i>

Aduriz with a teasing cross from the left and it's inches away from a diving Soldado. Great ball.

Pablo crosses and Rafael throws himself at it to head the ball clear.

A bit more attacking intent suggested than O'Shea would have.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Hernandez on for Anderson.

Fernandes tries his luck with a rasping effort from 25 yards. Palmed out by Van der Sar.

A sea of white moves out of the area, playing a host of red shirts offside. Anderson's cross was too far anyway.

Nani caught by Mathieu and it's a free-kick down the right. Anderson and Nani both stepping up.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Fernandes on for Costa.

Pinpoint cross from Miguel, Soldado moves across Ferdinand and heads wide, with Van der Sar nowhere near it.

Vidic pointing to his chest to suggest that he has been stamped on and it certainly looked like it may have been deliberate.

Vidic down and he looks in agony after a clash with Navarro.

Aduriz advances and plays it to Mathieu, who crosses it in towrads Soldado. Good defending from Ferdinand as he judges it well to get in a crucial interception.

Evra and Berbatov link well but the left-back's shot is blocked by Navarro. Not sure if Evra should really be shooting from nearly 30 yards out.

O'Shea is warming up. Solid attacking change from Sir Alex then...not!

Fletcher and Park look to thread away through but Albelda tracks the Scotland captain and the ball escapes through to Cesar.

United are starting to see a bit more of the ball, but every time Mata and Pablo get the ball they look dangerous.

Carrick plays it to Berbatov, who had already turned away. Very sloppy indeed.

Cesar punches away and Nani's subsequent cross is defleccted away by Albelda.

United with a corner now and it's Anderson to deliver.

<i>Stats: Bryan Robson is the only United player to have ever scored at the Mestalla, in a 2-1 defeat to the home side in 1982. </i>

Soldado and Mata attempting to create something and the latter has looked much better in the second half.

Mata drives forward and picks out Pablo unmarked on the left of the area. He shoots and Nani deflects it towards goal, where Ferdinand is ready to hoof it clear.

Nani crosses towards Park, but plenty of defenders back to cover.

Rafael takes the ball off Soldado and the striker goes down just outside the area. The referee shakes his head, though there was certainly a slight suspicion of a foul.

Miguel shows good strength against Berbatov as Evra looked to play him in down the left channel.

Park fed by Berbatov but Miguel has the pace to match the industrious midfielder, leaving room for Cesar to collect.

Soldado escapes Rafael's clutches in the area, but his shot is wide.

Valencia switch to 4-4-2 and immediately have a corner, Rafael heading it out with Aduriz lurking behind him.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> Aduriz on for Dominguez.

Carrick lashes one over from 30 yards.

First real chance of the game for United as they approach two-and-a-half hours of Champions League football this season without a goal.

Resulting corner sees Cesar fouled by Ferdinand.

Unbelievable touch from Berbatov, sensational stuff to turn inside Navarro and he runs into the area before seeing his shot saved by Cesar.

Ferdinand receives a dressing down from the ref for a shove on Soldado near the halfway line. Free-kick but no further action.

Excellent tackle back again from Mathieu, Anderson would have been in there.

Burst through from Carrick - really good run from the midfielder and he plays a good through ball to Anderson.

Short to Nani. Useless cross. Collected by Cesar.

Nani looks to engineer some space and United have a corner. Anderson to take.

He lays it off to Nani but the Portuguese's cross is just really poor.

Park sprints away for United and Rafael on the charge down the right.

Evra sprints down the left, but his touch is heavy and Los Che can regroup.

<i>Stats: Sir Alex Ferguson?s side have failed to score in 10 of their last 14 away games in Spain.</i>

Pablo again the key man, Evra was well out of position. The winger cut inside and unleashed a fierce left-foot strike, just wide of Van der Sar's left-hand post.

Chance for Valencia!

Mathieu chases back, though, and again gets a lucky deflection as Valencia win the goal-kick.

The ball breaks to Anderson and Nani runs at Mathieu, before releasing Rafael.

Berbatov in acres of space and he's headed it out for a throw. A bit of frustration there from the striker - who was gesticulating at his chest in a Tarzan-like motion.

No changes for either side, and it's United looking a bit more positive early on with Berbatov down the right...until he runs out of room.

And we're off for the second half...

Right then, we're back. I've had a little power nap at half-time and hopefully the players may have similarly recharegd their batteries. One positive for United - Rangers are 1-0 up which means that Buraspor sit bottom of the group with Ferguson's side in third.

<b>Valencia 0-0 Man Utd. </b> Well, not a lot to say about a thoroughly disappointing first half. Valencia definitely the better team but it's been really scrappy from both sides. Los Che have looked dangerous down the right, where Pablo has troubled Evra. But so far, this has really failed to live up to it's billing. Grab a cup of tea, and I shall see you in 15 minutes.

Half-time whistle goes...

But the whistle has already gone for a foul on Carrick by Mata.

Superb save by Van der Sar from Mathieu's dipping volley.

Now Valencia's turn to counter with Mata - great pace but Carrick does well to track back and tackle.

Mata short again with Pablo and again Nani intercepts. United's turn to counter.

Dominguez strikes one from 30 yards and it's deflected off Vidic's arm for a corner.

Quick feet from Pablo, before Miguel and Dominguez open United up, but the full-back's cross is headed away by Ferdinand.

Rafael heads it straight to Pablo, who is promptly closed dowen by Evra before, yet again, Carrick gives the ball away.

<i>Stats: United have only ever won one of 18 European matches away from home against Spanish sides (against Deportivo La Coruna in April 2002).</i>

Cleared to safety. Come on footballing gods, please liven this game up!!

Valencia now deep in United territory with Miguel.

Nani lobs one up over Mathieu's head and sprints away from him. He plays an optimistic through ball to Berbatov, bit the Bulgarian is punished for pulling down Navarro.

Short corner between Pablo and Mata but it's scooped away by Nani.

Carrick gives it away and Dominguez plays Soldado down the inside right. Corner after Ferdinand knocks it out.

Park pickpocketed by Albelda but the ball flies all the way through to the safe control of Van der Sar.

Absolutely awful delivery. Noit even past the first man. Dire.

Nani to take.

Carrick showing a turn of pace and skill (I'm not making it up, honest!) and he's won a free-kick in a dangerous position down the left.

Delicious ball from Pablo down the right. He eased past Evra and then planted a cross right into he danger zone, but it somehow slipped all the way through.

Costa with ANOTHER sloppy pass, Miguel unable to reach his wayward effort.

Cheers echo around the Mestalla as Pablo gives Ferdinand a strong shoulder.

United showing a worrying inability to keep possession.

Carrick gives the ball away and this has been a really scrappy first half an hour.

Good ball from Miguel to Pablo down the right, poor cross though and Ferdinand can head away comfortably.

Vidic gives it away and Albelda sends Soldado down the right, though the Serbian was wise to it.

<i>Stats: Valencia have won none of their last five Champions League home matches.</i>

Van der Sar closed down quickly by Soldado but he manages to put his foot through the ball. Just.

This game is in desperate need of some sort of spark, I'm starting to yawn here!

Dominguez with a jinking run down the right, but United have the ball back and have won a free-kick, Evra caught late by Miguel.

Just as I say that, Mathieu attempts a ridiculous cross from about 45 yards out and gives the ball away.

Valencia have kept possession well for the past few minutes.

For all the latest chat and goal updates from tonight's other games,<a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/live?id=828176&cc=5739" target="_blank">join Chris Murphy.</a>

Los Che breaking at pace with Pablo but his attempted through ball is threaded to a red shirt, not a white one.

Nani and Park combine well but the resulting cross doesn't reach Berbatov.

<i>Stats: United?s defeat at Bayern in last season?s Champions League quarter final ended a run of 16 games without defeat away from home and six away wins in a row.</i>

Nani crosses it towards Anderson, who made a great run to the front post. But the Brazilian just diverted it wide. Good movement.

Rafael advances down the right and looks for Berbatov with a low cross, but it's under-hit.

The cross comes in from Mata, Soldado thought the Dutchman would claim but he didn't. Unfortunately for Valencia, Soldado presumed Van der Sar would save it so his unexpected header just looped over.

Misjudged completely by Van der Sar!

Then Carrick, having won the ball back, gives it away cheaply - allowing Pablo to have a shot from 25 yards. Sails over.

Brought down beautifully by Dominguez and a lovely touch from Mata to keep it alive.

Whipped in but it's all the way through for a goal-kick.

Fletcher with a tasty little tangle down Valencia's right with Pablo, and it's a free-kick which Costa will swing in left-footed.

Ferdinand seeing plenty of the ball and he is looking a composed presence - maybe he will be the man to pulg United's leaky defence.

United holding onto the ball and Navarro brings down Anderson in midfield.

Nani again in some space but he is left disappointed after his cross rebounds back of Mathieu, onto him, and out for a goal-kick.

Pablo just starting to tuck in a little alongside Soldado.

<i>Stats: Valencia scored four goals from just five shots on target in their opening Champions League match against Bursaspor.</i>

Albelda looks long for Soldado and after ducking underneath it, Vidic is relieved to see Van der Sar claim it.

Great run from Nani, speeding away from Mathieu, but the left-back got back and drew a foul of frustration from the winger.

Berbatov released with a quick free-kick arrowed down the right and he looked to take on Mathieu but his touch was heavy.

Berbatov down the left, holding the ball up well. He knocks it back to Fletcher, who looks for the one-two with Park, but the South Korean;s return pass is a little stong.

This is the first time Carrick, Anderson and Fletcher have started a game together since January.

Not according to the referee, who has given another questionable goal-kick.

Berbatov lets fly having tiptoed into some space just outside the box, but his effort deflects wide of Maduro.

Carrick and Ferdinand try to build up some patient possession and Anderson drives United forward.

No Joaquin today after he injured his thigh in training, but Pablo has looked lively.

Bright start from Valencia, a lovely little flicked through ball from Soldado to feed Miguel down the right. But his cross is met by Van der Sar.

Mata and Soldado exchanging well and Pablo is brought down by Evra but it's just a goal-kick. A bit lucky there, the Frenchman.

The ball fired back towards Cesar early on and he's knocked straight up the other end, where Ferdiand has a touch.

And we're off...

The players are out on the pitch and we're ready to get going.

Apparently Rio's back was so bad on the way over that he had to stay standing up for most of the flight from England. Any turbulence and he would have been in trouble! Bit of a worry that for United fans...

Valencia beat United 2-1 at the Mestalla back in 1982 and they will be looking for a repat performance tonight.

Three 0-0 draws between these two sides in their six previous meetings, keep your fingers crossed it's not the same result tonight!

Sir Alex has just been chatting pre-match and he has said that Rio plays tonight because "his experience is vital".

In the Champions League this season, Valencia opened up with a dominant 4-0 victory against Bursaspor, while <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=823319&cc=5739" target="_blank">United drew a blank against Rangers</a>.

Michael Owen spared United's blushes in a 2-2 draw with Bolton at the weekend, but finds himself back on the bench again, despite <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=828132&sec=england&cc=5739" target="_blank">receiving praise from Ferguson</a>.

<i>Los Che</i> boss Unai Emery has done a great job of moulding a balanced team since star Davids Villa and Silva left the club over the summer and his side will provide a stern test for United.

Valencia are sitting pretty at the top of La Liga at the moment, and come into this game on the back of a 2-0 win at Sportig Gijon, courtesy of goals from Mehmet Topal and Roberto Soldado.

Kevin Palmer <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=827582&sec=uefachampionsleague&root=uefachampionsleague&cc=5739&cc=5739" target="_blank">caught up with Berbatov ahead of the game</a> , and the Bulgarian striker revealed his delight at being back among the goals recently.

No Wayne Rooney of course for Manchester United, <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=827657&sec=uefachampionsleague&cc=5739&cc=5739" target="_blank">he's out with an ankle injury</a>, which means Dimitar Berbatov - who has scored six goals already this season - will lead the attack.

<b>Man Utd: Van der Sar, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra,Carrick, Fletcher, Anderson, Nani, Berbatov, Park.</b> Subs: Kuszczak, Owen, Smalling, Hernandez, O'Shea, Macheda, Gibson.

<b>Valencia: Cesar, Miguel, Navarro, Maduro, Mathieu, Pablo, Albelda, Costa, Mata, Dominguez, Soldado. </b> Subs: Moya, Bruno, Topal, Aduriz, Feghouli, Fernandes, Ricardo Costa.

Hello everyone and welcome to live text commentary from Valencia v Manchester United at the Mestalla. First things first, I've got some team news for you...

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/images/2010/0929/wesbrownowngoal2001manchesterunitedvvalencia20100929_275x155.gif"><br> Last time the two side's met in the Champions League, back in the second group stage in 2001,Wes Brown's late own goal levelled things up in 1-1 draw. Valencia went on to lose to Bayern Munich in the final.

Join us from 1930 BST for build up to Valencia vs Manchester United, a match that on paper promises to be one of the most mouthwatering clashes in the Champions League so far this season.