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Valencia vs Real Madrid: La Liga Match Preview, Odds & Prediction
On Friday night, Real Madrid will face Valencia at the Mestalla in an effort to start the new year with a bang. Here are our match analysis and predictions.
Previous Matches and Head-to-head
First, the hosts. Some Valencians may have started the 2024–25 season planning to make a serious run at the European championship, but now Los Ches are in the middle of a major scandal. New manager Carlos Corberan has a serious challenge at the Mestalla despite the team's recent heroics in rescuing a dramatic 2-2 home draw against Alaves.
The former West Brom boss will have a massive first test on Friday night as his team begins the new year in the relegation zone, with four points outside La Liga safety. Valencia has failed to win in each of their previous five La Liga matches. They have only managed to rack up 12 points in their first 17 games played. Also, the Bats are legitimate underdogs this weekend due to their winless record at the Mestalla since September 21st.
Regarding the guests, genuine Madrid may have shown some problems before and after the international break in November, but Los Blancos ended 2024 with a genuine flurry. Before the holiday break, Carlo Ancelotti's squad won an exciting 4-2 match at home against Sevilla. Now, they're just one point away from recovering first place in La Liga.
After leading his team to a 3-0 victory against Pachuca of Mexico on December 18th, the former AC Milan manager should find morale soaring among his squad. Despite Madrid's pursuit of much-appreciated defensive solidity, they have earned a terrifying reputation for their goal-scoring prowess. With three or more goals scored in each of their past five matches, Los Blancos will be flying into the Mestalla on Friday night, sensing a great chance.
Valencia x Real Madrid Team News
Fran Perez, a 22-year-old product of the academy, is likely to make Corberan's first team here despite taking a knock in the first half of Spain's match against Alaves before the holiday break. Whether Jose Gaya will play on Friday night is uncertain, however, since he had another knee setback last month and hasn't played since December 7th.
Hugo Duro, a former Real Madrid youth product, will start up front against his old club despite the fact that he has scored only four goals in La Liga this season. Enzo Barrenechea, who departed Aston Villa on a season-long loan, will start in the center of the field after his arrival this summer.
No one will be able to participate this weekend since David Alaba, Eder Militao, and Daniel Carvajal are all currently having long-term knee problems. Arda Guler, who is 19 years old and has been linked with a possible January transfer away from the Bernabeu, will be looking to rack up more minutes at the Mestalla.
Kylian Mbappe, the summer signing and captain for the French national team, will start up front on Friday night. He has scored in all four of his previous matches. Vinicius Junior, a superstar from Brazil, will make a complete recovery after serving a one-match ban against Sevilla before the holiday break.
Our Predictions
Kylian Mbappe to score anytime @ 2.00 on Sky247.ng
With 2024 coming to a close in the middle of a frenzy, Real Madrid will merely want to continue their strong play before the holiday break. Los Blancos are confident they can take over first place in La Liga on Friday night after finally settling into a clinical third quarter. The Bats were in for a real treat as Valencia, who are now in the thick of a fight for La Liga relegation, make their return to play this weekend. The reigning champions are widely considered a heavy favorite, even if Corberan may formally begin his stint on Friday.
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