Valencia vs Alaves Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Valencia remain involved in the relegation battle as Los Che now take on a Deportivo Alaves side that are heading into a new era as they travel to Mestalla.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / 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 – Premier Player / US – ESPN+
Valencia preview: Improving Valencians
Valencia, coached by former West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan, remain involved in the relegation battle in La Liga but they have been able to slightly improve of late as they push away from the bottom three and the relegation places.
The Valencians have now won two of their last three matches in La Liga, having edged past Osasuna by a goal to nil in a controversial encounter in which Largie Ramazani scored the retake of his penalty due to Jose Luis Gaya's encroachment.
Alaves preview: Change in Vitoria-Gasleiz
Former Celta Vigo boss Eduardo Coudet hasn't necessarily done a brilliant job for Deportivo Alaves but he has been able to be the one to leave in his own terms, leaving for Argentine giants River Plate this week.
He has been replaced by former Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores, who is back in La Liga in charge of a Basque outfit that are sitting just three points clear of the danger zone in La Liga.
Valencia team news: Defensive injuries
First-choice goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala is sidelined for the Valencians alongside defensive trio Jose Manuel Copete, Mouctar Diakhaby and Dimtri Foulquier.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Dimitrievski; Correia, Unai Nunez, Cumart, Jose Luis Gaya; Luis Rioja, Rodriguez, Ugrinic, Ramazani; Javi Guerra, Sadiq
Unavailable: Julen Agirrezabala (Injured), Copete (Injured), Diakhaby (Injured), Foulquier (Injured)
Questionable: Ruben Iranzo (Injured), Beltran (Injured)
Alaves team news: Suspension issues
Alaves have some fresh suspension issues for the visitors against Valencia as left-back Victor Parada is now sidelined alongside defensive midfielder Pablo Ibanez.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Antonio Sivera; Jonny, Tenaglia, Jon Pacheco, Yusi; Rebbach, Ander Guevara, Antonio Blanco, Carles Alena; Lucas Boye, Toni Martinez
Unavailable: Victor Parada (Suspended), Garces (Disciplinary), Pablo Ibanez (Suspended)
Questionable:
Valencia vs Alaves prediction
Alaves have been underwhelming for a while now but the former Getafe manager Quique Sanchez Flores will be expected to organise them sufficiently to push themselves towards the middle-of-the-table once again. That said, though, it may well be a tough test for the hosts with Valencia expected to come out on top, especially at Mestalla and with their slightly improved recent run of form.
Valencia vs Alaves tip: Double chance – Valencia to win or draw
