Valencia vs Real Madrid – La Liga – Preview

Posted on January 3, 2016 by Sreya

Valencia host Real Madrid at the Mestalla as Rafael Benitez returns to the club with whom he won the La Liga over ten years ago. Real Madrid are in the third position in league standings with thirty six points, while Valencia are at a lowly tenth place with just twenty two points.

Before the winter break, Real Madrid won by a margin of two goals against Real Sociedad while Valencia lost 1-0 to Villareal.

Team News

Diego Alves, Sophiane Feghouli, Zakaria Bakkali and Rodrigo are sidelined through injuries for Valencia. Jose Gaya and Skhodran Mustafi have been listed as doubts as well.

Rafael Benitez has the entire squad at his disposal as Real Madrid do not have any injury concerns. Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal are both back in contention for the visitors.

Valencia Possible Starting Lineup: Jaume, Antonio Barragan, Skhodran Mustafi, Aymen Abdennour, Jose Gaya, Andre Gomes, Javi Fuego, Daniel Parejo, Joao Cancelo, Paco Alcacer, Pablo Piatti.

Real Madrid Possible Starting Lineup: Keylor Navas, Danilo, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, James Rodriguez, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Thoughts From Both Camps

“It is not a final, but it’s a big important match, playing against Real Madrid is always an important match. Real Madrid have players capable of winning any match, but so have we. If we play like we did in the second half [against Villareal], we have a great opportunity.

Madrid against Sociedad yesterday was reflective of what Real Madrid are, they have fantastic match-winners in the team, and they play a very flowing style of football. The lessons of playing a Benitez team in the past will not help or hinder me on Sunday.”

– Gary Neville,Valencia.

“I have full confidence, do not think about slip-ups. We know they are under pressure, on run with not such good results after changing coach. They are a young team, will be motivated as always against Madrid. So it will be a tough game, for sure, and I expect the maximum from my players.”

– Rafael Benitez, Real Madrid.

Contributor’s Pick

Real Madrid are undefeated in thirteen of their last fourteen matches against Valencia in all competitions, while the home side are winless in their last six La Liga fixtures. According to Head-2-Head statistics, the previous six meetings between both clubs have yielded in three draws and two wins for Real Madrid.

Although the home side has scored a minimum of two goals in their last four games against Real Madrid, the visitors are the favorites tomorrow and are expected to win by a 3-0 scoreline.