Valencia will hope to take another large step towards the last 32 of the Europa League on Thursday night when they face struggling Slavia Prague, although they will have to do it without star striker David Villa.

The prolific Spain international, who has stuck nine goals in all competitions this season, was sent off in the home clash with Slavia a fortnight ago and he was subsequently handed a two-match ban that means he will sit out the return meeting with the Czech side.

"I don't like to miss any game," said Villa. "I'm not happy watching the game from home, but you have to accept it. I hope that we can take the points away from Prague."

With Villa in sparkling form, Valencia have enjoyed a superb start to the season and their 1-0 victory at Malaga at the weekend means they have now won nine of their 15 competitive games - including two Europa League play-off matches - while losing just once.

Up front they have plenty of firepower with the likes of Spain internationals Juan Manuel Mata, David Silva, Joaquin Sanchez and Pablo Hernandez supporting Villa, but they have also been tight at the back, keeping five clean sheets in their last six competitive matches.

"We are on a good path, and defending very well," added Villa. "The statistics show that our opponents are creating very few chances against us."

Coincidentally, the only goal Valencia have conceded in those last six games was against Slavia when the two teams drew 1-1 at the Mestalla.

That result left Unai Emery's side second in Group B on seven points, two behind leaders Lille, two ahead of third-placed Genoa and four clear of bottom side Slavia, who could wave goodbye to the Europa League tomorrow if results go against them.

And recent history suggests Karel Jarolim's side have their work cut out to give themselves a lifeline, as they have won only one of their last 22 European fixtures.

Valencia have only lost once in their last 12 away matches on the continent and have never lost in seven meetings with Czech opponents down the years.