Real Madrid vs Valencia Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Real Madrid are in a position where they could begin to run away with the Spanish title once again as Los Blancos welcome a struggling Valencia side to the Bernabeu.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so any game may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Disney+ / US – ESPN+
Real Madrid preview: Impressive at the top
In Xabi Alonso’s first season, Real Madrid haven’t been overwhelmingly convincing and yet they begin this weekend sitting five points clear at the top-of-the-table, having won 12 of their 13 matches across all competitions so far this season.
Los Blancos managed to win the first Clasico of the season against Barcelona at the Bernabeu last weekend, winning by two goals to one in a result that certainly flattered their rivals with impressive performances from across the pitch for Madrid.
Valencia preview: Pressure on Los Che
Former West Bromwich Albion boss Carlos Corberan had initially done an excellent job in the second-half of last season but Valencia are drifting badly at the moment as they begin the match day in the bottom three and the relegation places.
Los Che managed to defeat Maracena by five goals to nil in the Copa del Rey in midweek but their most recent league outing saw them suffer a 2-0 defeat to regional rivals Villarreal at Mestalla last weekend.
Real Madrid team news: TAA to start
After his controversial but excellent performance against Barca, Dani Carvajal has undergone surgery on a knee injury this week and so Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to start.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao, Dean Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouameni, Camavinga; Guler, Bellingham, Rodrygo; Mbappe
Unavailable: Lunin (Suspended), Rudiger (Injured), Dani Carvajal (Injured)
Questionable: Alaba (Injured), Fede Valverde (Injured)
Valencia team news: Several issues
The Valencians have several injury issues for this one with fresh doubts including both Pepelu and Lucas Beltran, whilst the likes of Mouctar Diakhaby and Largie Ramazani remain sidelined.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Julen Agirrezabala; Correia, Carlos Tarrega, Copete, Jose Luis Gaya; Luis Rioja, Santamaria, Javi Guerra, Danjuma; Diego Lopez, Dani Raba
Unavailable: Diakhaby (Injured), Foulquier (Injured), Ramazani (Injured)
Questionable: Ugrinic (Injured), Pepelu (Injured), Beltran (Injured)
Real Madrid vs Valencia prediction
Real Madrid have an abundance of quality and will believe that they can rest and rotate but remain extremely strong as they begin to find the patterns of play that Xabi Alonso is trying to implement at the Bernabeu. They welcome a Valencia side that themselves have some added quality this season but appear a rabble at the moment and a comfortable Madrid win is to be expected as they seek to extend their lead at the top-of-the-table.
Real Madrid vs Valencia tip: Real Madrid to win -1 handicap
