New Valencia coach Ronald Koeman has a tough task on hand as his side clash with Murcia at the Mestalla this weekend. Valencia lost a shocker of a game 2-0 against Rosenborg in the UEFA Champions League in Koeman's first game in charge and will be looking to avoid a similar fate in the La Liga.

Valencia's dismal form in both the La Liga as well as the Champions League prompted the dismissal of Quique Sanchez Flores as the manager last week. Oscar Fernandez was the caretaker boss in the 5-1 rout at Real Madrid before Koeman took over. The signs are not good as the side slipped to defeat at home mid-week.

Valencia is also struggling with injuries to key players. Fernandes is out with an undisclosed injury, while Caneira and Vicente are battling thigh injuries. Garcia and Edu are being monitored on a day-to-day basis with undisclosed injuries. Additionally defender Alexis will be sidelined for around four months with a knee injury. Albiol should be back for the game after serving a one-match suspension on November 3. Valencia are fourth in the La Liga table with 21 points from 11 games.

Murcia meanwhile have made a nice start to their La Liga campaign on their return to top flight Spanish football. Coach Lucas Alcaraz will be pleased with the way his team has shaped up this season.

Torres Ruiz and Bruno have missed the last eight matches due to undisclosed injuries. Still Murcia occupy the 11th spot on the La Liga table with 13 points from 11 games.

The last time these two sides met was way back in 2003-04 season when Valencia clinched the fixture 2-0; a result they will desperately want to repeat this time as well.

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