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'If Valencia lose to Espanyol, there could be mayhem,' says Guillem Balague

Gary Neville
Image: Gary Neville's Valencia face Espanyol at the Mestalla this weekend

If Valencia lose at home to Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday, the pressure on Gary Neville from the club's fans could become untenable, according to Sky Sports' Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.

Valencia head into the fixture, which is live on Sky Sports 2 HD from 7.15pm, languishing down in 14th position in the table, just four points above the relegation zone.

And with Neville still to win in the league since taking charge at the Mestalla at the start of December, a run stretching back nine matches, this weekend's clash with fellow strugglers Espanyol is of huge significance to both sides.

Valencia's forward Alvaro Negredo (2nd R) gestures
Image: Valencia are yet to win in La Liga under Gary Neville

Neville has called on his team's supporters to create an "electric atmosphere" on Saturday night, however, it is those same fans who may hold the key to his future in Spain should their winless streak continue against Espanyol.

"The club has no intention of getting rid of Gary Neville, and he has no intention of leaving," Balague told Sky Sports News HQ. "If he feels he cannot help, he might change his mind, though that does not look likely at the moment.

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"He's finding out about his strengths and weaknesses as a coach. He knows that he can communicate well - when he can get his message across because there's obviously difficulties with the language - and he can lead the group. It's the little details of the coaching that he perhaps needs some help with so he may just bring someone in.

"But the fans? If Valencia lose, it's going to be a disaster. They will really want action after a defeat. Forget about the Copa del Rey attendance; the stadium will be full and the fans will give the players full vocal support - until minute 90.

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"But if they lose it could be mayhem. They're really upset. They're saying things like the club is not going in the right direction, Gary Neville is not the right man. They will want action if there's a defeat. "

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One positive for Neville and Valencia, however, is that their opponents on Saturday are also out of form, with Espanyol 17th in La Liga, only one point above the bottom three.

"The good news is that they're facing a side with a worse record than them, but it's not unthinkable Valencia could lose," Balague added.

Espanyol players argue with referee Juan Martinez Munuera
Image: Espanyol are 17th in La Liga

"The Spanish league is more competitive than ever this year. A lot of clubs have reduced their debts and they're using the money very cleverly.

"They can't compete with the top German or Premier League sides, but they've worked hard to get the scouting right to recruit youngsters that can make a difference.

"Espanyol are in a very bad run, though - the manager could be sacked if they lose - so it's high pressure all round."

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