The top of the La Liga beckons for Real Madrid as they face troubled Valencia in a rescheduled fixture on Friday. Los Che are still struggling to find their feet and should be in for a tough time against the champions, who have looked sharp lately.
New Valencia manager Carlos Corberan heads into his first match in charge of the club, who are in desperate need of results as they remain in the relegation zone, four points from safety. Things do not look to be getting better as they are winless in their last four matches, although their previous La Liga fixture ended in a 2-2 home draw with Alaves.
Things have been just as difficult at the Mestalla for Valencia, who are winless in four of their last five home matches. There have been some high-scoring games in that run with three of the last four matches producing over 3.5 goals.
In contrast to Valencia’s struggles, Real Madrid head into Saturday’s match with a chance of going top of the La Liga standings. They have claimed four wins from their last five matches across all competitions, picking up the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, along the way before beating Sevilla 4-2 last time out.
Real Madrid have also been solid on their travels, claiming three wins and one draw from their last three away matches. Carlo Ancelotti’s men have seen over 3.5 goals in three of their last four matches across all competitions.
How the bookies view it: Los Blancos too strong
Real Madrid have been installed as overwhelming favourites and are priced at 4/11 by BoyleSports to claim the win. Valencia are considered outsiders at 13/2 while a draw is set at 7/2.
Head to head: Madrid dominate
Real Madrid have a 38-15 advantage with 15 draws from 68 previous matches against Valencia. Los Blancos were unbeaten in this fixture last season, winning 5-1 at home before a 2-2 draw at the Mestalla in March.
Players to watch: No answers for Vinicius
Vinicius Junior has a great scoring record against Valencia and has been on target eight times in the last six meetings. The forward also has nine goals in the last eight matches in all competitions for Real Madrid and is priced at 5/4 by BoyleSports to maintain his scoring run.
Hugo Duro has four La Liga goals for Valencia this season and will be the one to watch on Friday. The striker has also been on target in the last two meetings with Real Madrid and is priced at 7/2 by BoyleSports to get on the score sheet once again.
Probable line-ups
Valencia have a lengthy injury list with Rafa Mir, Jose Gaya, Pepelu and Mouctar Diakhaby all sidelined. Duro should lead the line for the hosts once again while Enzo Barrenechea should feature in midfield.
Vinicius Junior missed the win over Sevilla through suspension and should return for Real Madrid on Friday. The Brazilian forward should feature in attack alongside Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe while Antonio Rudiger is set to continue at the back.
Valencia: Dimitrievski, Foulquier, Mosquera, Gasiorowski, Richard, Guerra, Barrenechea, Lopez, Almeida, Perez, Duro
Real Madrid: Courtois, Camavinga, Rudiger, Tchouameni, Vazquez Valverde, Bellingham, Diaz, Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior, Mbappe
Anything else catch the eye?
The last two meetings between Valencia and Real Madrid have produced over 3.5 goals, which is priced at 9/5 with BoyleSports. Los Blancos are expected to come out on top but concede, making a win and both teams to score a good punt at 11/5 with BoyleSports.
Real Madrid have scored in both halves in the last two matches against Valencia and a similar pattern is priced at 23/20 with BoyleSports.
This La Liga match between Valencia and Real Madrid will be played on Jan 3, 2025 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Valencia vs Real Madrid prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
