Cartagena vs Valencia

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Valencia is scheduled to face Cartagena in a crucial Copa del Rey match this Sunday, aiming for a spot in the round of 16. Both teams have advanced through two rounds, with Cartagena narrowly making it through in penalty shootouts, while Valencia secured victories against UD Logrones and Arosa.

Cartagena seeks to advance past the round of 32 for the first time in their history. They were previously eliminated at this stage by top-flight teams in the last two seasons, including a 2-1 loss to Valencia in early 2022, where Carlos Soler and Denis Cheryshev scored the winning goals for Valencia.

Despite facing tough challenges in the tournament last year, Cartagena managed to navigate through the initial rounds this season, clinching victories against Azuaga and Alcorcon via penalty shootouts.

However, recent league matches have been challenging for Cartagena, suffering consecutive 3-0 losses and slipping to the bottom of the Segunda Division after being defeated by Huesca.

Eager to overcome their recent setbacks, Cartagena aims to bounce back in the new year by upsetting Valencia on their home turf and seeking redemption for their previous loss. Their focus will then shift back to their league campaign after this Cup clash.

The team's guests are aiming to advance in this year's Copa del Rey round of 32 after recent success in the tournament. They reached the final twice in the last five attempts, winning in 2019 and finishing as runners-up in 2021-22.

Previously, they defeated Cartagena away and progressed through the initial rounds this season by winning 2-0 against UD Logronez and securing a 1-0 victory over Arosa. Despite the early lead by Roman Yaremchuk in the latter game, they held on for the win.

Valencia, currently placed ninth in La Liga, had a good run in December, drawing with Barcelona and securing wins over Rayo Vallecano and Villarreal. Now, after a break, they're eager to continue their positive momentum into the upcoming Copa del Rey match, which poses a tougher challenge against second-tier opposition, aiming to secure a spot in the round of 16.

In an effort to maintain a solid defense in the upcoming cup match, Cartagena is expected to adopt a cautious formation similar to their previous encounter against Huesca, despite facing a 3-0 defeat. The defensive trio of Jose Fontan, Gonzalo, and Pedro Alcala are likely to form the backline.

Moving into midfield, Luis Munoz will play a pivotal role as a consistent presence, and the team will rely on the goal-scoring abilities of Alfredo Ortuno, the top scorer with five goals and three assists in 19 second-tier appearances, who aims to return for Sunday's game alongside Lautaro de Leon.

Valencia, well-rested and targeting the round of 16, may choose to field a full-strength starting XI, despite rotating players in their first two Copa del Rey matches. Mouctar Diakhaby and Thierry Correia, absent due to suspensions in the victory over Villarreal, are set to make a comeback.

Roman Yaremchuk, scorer of their lone goal against Arosa in the second round, is expected to feature up front in a 4-4-2 formation alongside the squad's leading goal-scorer, Hugo Duro, who has seven goals in 19 La Liga appearances. Sergi Canos and Fran Perez will provide additional support on the wings, while Pepelu, coming off a brace in their recent 3-1 victory, aims to contribute more goals from a central midfield position alongside Hugo Guillamon.