Probable lineups for Racing - Valencia: the surprises Aguirre is preparing, according to the press

Racing de Santander host Valencia CF today, Sunday, at 21:00 hours at El Sardinero, in one of the standout matches of the eighth matchday of LaLiga EA Sports.

The game will be shaped by the debut of Javier Aguirre on the Valencia bench and by the possible changes Jose Alberto López is preparing after the team from Cantabria's latest defeats.

Possible Racing lineup

Real Racing Club Santander

Probable XI (4-2-3-1): Agirrezabala; Mantilla, Pablo Ramón, Belocian, Salinas; Iván Martín, Matteo Prati; Andrés Martín, André Almeida, Íñigo Vicente; Zabiri.

José Alberto could introduce major changes to his side. Andrés Martín returns after six weeks out with a knee injury and has options to go straight into the starting XI, taking the right flank spot in place of Pablo García.

In midfield, Matteo Prati and Iván Martín look set to form a partnership, with André Almeida in a more advanced position. The Portuguese will be able to play against Valencia, the club that owns his rights, as there is no clause preventing him from taking part.

This situation could leave Sergio Canales on the bench again, despite the fact that other predictions from the sports press do include him among the starters.

Up front, Zabiri is the main candidate to lead the attack, although the coach has acknowledged that both the striker and Pablo García returned tired from their international commitments.

Simon Eriksson remains out of the squad, as he fine-tunes his recovery.

Possible Valencia lineup

Valencia CF

Probable XI (4-2-3-1): Dimitrievski; Maffeo, César Tárrega, De Haas, Gayà; Guido Rodríguez, Pepelu; Otorbi, Javi Guerra, Harvey Elliott; Hugo Duro.

Javier Aguirre's debut is the big unknown for Valencia. The Mexican coach has worked during the week on a back four and a back five, so there are still doubts about the system he will use at El Sardinero.

Pepelu could play a key role, both in midfield and by dropping back into defence if the coach opts for three centre-backs.

The good news is that César Tárrega, Diakhaby and Danjuma are back available. However, Copete, Foulquier and Luis Rioja remain out.

In attack, Hugo Duro looks set to be the main offensive reference, with Javi Guerra operating ahead of the double pivot and Harvey Elliott as one of the options out wide.

Danjuma's return also opens up alternatives for Aguirre, although his recent recovery means caution is needed over a possible start.