Valencia vs. Swansea: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

Swansea will test their strength when they travel to Spain to take on Valencia Thursday.

The Swans took the Premier League by storm and won the Carling Cup to earn a place in the Europa League. Swansea have done a great job of finding cheap transfers, especially from Spain, to level the playing field a bit with richer clubs.

Just how successful they can be in this competition will be something to watch. They've got so much talent, but it may be hard to juggle both the European and domestic campaigns.

Valencia have made it a tradition that they sell off at least one of their best players every summer. It's hard to believe that this club had Juan Mata, David Villa and David Silva, before having to sell all three to ease the financial burden.

All of that selling seems to have finally caught up with Valencia, after years of qualifying for the Champions League. Los Che are 16th in the table after four matches and only finished fifth last season.

When: Thursday, Sept. 19, at 1 p.m. (U.S.); 6 p.m. BST (UK)

Where: Mestalla, Valencia, Spain

Watch

TV: Fox Sports 1 (US); ITV 4 (UK)

Live Stream: Fox Soccer 2Go

Odds (courtesy of William Hill)

Valencia Win: 4-5

Swansea Win: 4-1

Draw: 13-5

Top Storyline: Will the Match Be Won on the Wings or Through the Middle?

Although Valencia aren't quite as direct as they were under Unai Emery, they still very much rely on the same kind of tactical nuances that have kept them near the top four for so long. Valencia will look to attack quickly down the wings, with players like Sergio Canales, Jonathan Viera and Jonas, and thread the ball through. It's a much more fast-paced attack.

Swansea, on the other hand, focus their attack on a steady buildup through the middle. They're much more patient and surgical, working the ball from Ashley Williams and Chico, to Jonjo Shelvey and Michu and then up to Wilfried Bony.

This match is a nice clash of styles. Fans should see a nice chess match between Michael Laudrup and Miroslav Djukic.

Prediction

It's hard to give either side the edge. Valencia are favored, but they've started the season rather poorly. Swansea have also yet to get their footing in the league. Both sides have players capable of giving their side the edge. Bony and Helder Postiga are very good strikers and will finish their chances.

This match is going to get bogged down in the midfield. The Swans aren't flying as much as they were last year. The problem with playing possession football is breaking down strong defensive sides, which is exactly what Valencia are. 

They will stand resolute at the back. Adil Rami and Ricardo Costa form one of the better centre-back pairings in Spain.

Swansea will get their goal, but not before Valencia go ahead early. All in all, it will be an ugly match.

Valencia 1, Swansea City 1

Miroslav Đukić