Match Preview
Valencia will look to climb higher up the table when they visit Valladolid at the Jose Zorrilla Stadium in the La Liga on Saturday night.
Valencia
Los Ches are once again in the hunt for finishing in the top four and compete in the UEFA Champions League next season. After finishing 4th last season, Albert Celades’ men topped their group to enter into the round of 16 of Europe’s top-tier competition this season.
However, their league position is a slight cause for concern as they are currently 8th, with 27 points from 17 games. They are tied on points with Athletic Bilbao in 7th while Real Sociedad, Atletico Madrid, Getafe and Sevilla are all separated by just a single point each.
Embed from Getty ImagesThus, Valencia has a good chance to catch up and the 1-1 draw with Real Madrid will definitely boost confidence heading into the game this weekend.
Valladolid
Coming to their opponents, Valladolid is having another tough season, after finishing 16th last time around. Sergio Gonzalez’s men are currently 15th in the table, with 19 points from 17 games. They are level on points with Alaves and are 5 points clear of relegation at this moment.
Therefore, Valladolid is relatively safe but things could change with a couple of bad results. While Valencia is definitely a tough opponent, the hosts will look to the midweek win over Tolosa in the Copa del Rey for inspiration and get a result in this one.
Team News
In terms of team news, the visitors will welcome the return of Jasper Cillessen and Denis Cheryshev back to training while Cristiano Piccini is ruled out. Finally, Goncalo Guedes and Kang-in Lee are doubts for the game.
Coming to the hosts, Ruben Alcaraz and Stiven Plaza are ruled out due to suspension and a hamstring injury respectively. Further, Nacho Martinez and Javi Sanchez are unlikely to fit for this one.
Head-To-Head and Valladolid vs Valencia Prediction
Looking at head-to-head, Valencia with 9 wins leads Valladolid, who has won just thrice in 22 meetings. In fact, the hosts have failed to win any of their last 5 games against their opponents, a grim sight.
Further, Valencia picked up 3 wins in their last 5 league games while the hosts are winless in each of their last 5 matches in the league, highlighting their poor form. Furthermore, Valladolid did not score in their last 4 league games, indicating a clean sheet for the visitors.
Thus, both head-to-head and recent form all point to an away win with Valencia emerging 2-0 victors in the end.
Predicted Lineups:
Valladolid Predicted XI: Masip: Porro, Kiko, Salisu, Barba; Plano, Fernandez, Michel, Rubio; Sandro, Guardiola
Valencia Predicted XI: Domenech; Costa, Garay, Gabriel, Gaya; Wass, Coquelin, Parejo, Soler; Rodrigo, Torres
