Unai Emery has warned Valencia it would be dangerous to underestimate Racing Santander when they face-off on Saturday.

Racing, on the other hand, have claimed just one win in eight attempts and are already 14 points off the pace set by Saturday's opponents.

That makes Valencia overwhelming favourites to take the spoils at Mestalla but Emery insists it is never as easy as it sounds.

"I'm on my guard ahead of the match with Racing," he said. "They are a team who have won here before.

"Remember what happened last season. Valencia were on the attack but Racing scored the goals which took the win (2-1).

"It will be a demanding match. Racing have their problems and have yet to find their way. But they will come here full of motivation.

"We will have to be alert and hope we can get the public behind us."

Emery has also played down their flying start to the campaign, and has warned the jubilant fans the hard work begins now in trying to stay at the top of the standings.

"It will be a demanding month," he explained. "It's difficult to hold on to your place at the top of the table.

"The word 'celebration' is not in our vocabulary. The public at Mestalla help us a great deal but it is important to keep that success going in away games.

"Hopefully we can keep our run going and continue sending messages to the public with our game. The team can join in the party later."

Emery admits he is likely to make changes to the side which routed Hercules 5-1 in the Copa del Rey fourth round in midweek.

"Our idea is to use fresh legs with the idea of resting players between matches," he continued.

"It the same team plays on Wednesday and Sunday, the end product will not be the same."

Long-term injury absentee David Silva remains sidelined for the hosts.

Racing's midweek cup performance was indicative of their season to date as they fell to a 2-1 loss against Segunda Division side Murcia.

And coach Juan Ramon Lopez Muniz is aware his players face another difficult match in Valencia.

"We're going to Mestalla to get three points and claim our second victory of the season," he said.

"But we know it won't be easy because our opponents are the current Primera Liga leaders who, along with Villarreal, remain unbeaten this season."

Luis Fernandez, Oriol and Garay are set to miss out for Racing although Peter Luccin is available after his suspension in last weekend's 2-1 loss at Numancia.