Real Madrid will be eyeing a seventh-straight win in La Liga when they hit the road to square up against Valencia, who will be eager to return to winning ways in Sunday’s clash at the Mestalla.
The home team are 16th on the table with 23 points in their 22 outings. Los Che have only secured five wins so far, two of which have come in their last three league outings. Since they are only a point clear of the drop zone, Valencia certainly cannot afford to relax.
Carlos Corberan’s charges suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Real Betis in their last league outing, and they are heading into this fixture on the back of a 2-1 defeat against Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals. While they will be eager to bounce back, going up against Real Madrid is never easy.
The visitors are second on the table with 54 points in their 22 outings. Los Blancos were in control of the title race, but a poor run of form gave Barcelona a decent lead at the top. But thanks to a six-game winning streak in the league, Alvaro Arbeloa’s men are now just a point behind the Catalan giants.
Real Madrid would want to keep winning to maintain the pressure on Hansi Flick’s men. While the defeat to Benfica was a massive blow, they did bounce back against Rayo Vallecano and will look to build on it. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could put to use.
Valencia will be without the services of Cristian Rivero (suspended) and Mouctar Diakhaby (hamstring) against Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Thierry Correia (hamstring) will undergo a late fitness test to determine his availability.
Valencia will line up in a 4-4-2 formation, where Stole Dimitrievski will take charge in goal. Dimitri Foulquier and Jose Gaya will feature as the full-backs, while Eray Comert will partner with Jose Manuel Copete in the heart of the defence.
As for the midfield unit, Luis Rioja and Arnaut Danjuma will feature in the wide areas, while Filip Ugrinic and Pepelu will feature in a more central role in the centre of the park. The midfield four will look to ensure Madrid midfielders do not dominate the proceedings. Finally, Lucas Beltran and Hugo Duro will be the two forwards for Valencia against Real Madrid.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Dimitrievski; Foulquier, Comert, Copete, Gaya; Rioja, Urginic, Pepelu, Danjuma; Beltran, Duro
Vinicius Junior is suspended for this fixture after a milestone yellow last time out. Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham (hamstring) has joined Eder Militao (hamstring) on the sidelines. Rodrygo missed training on Thursday, and he remains a major doubt for this away fixture.
Los Blancos do have a massive boost ahead of this fixture, as Ferland Mendy (hamstring), Antonio Rudiger (knee), and Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh) could all be back in the mix for this fixture.
The visitors are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, where Thibaut Courtois will be in goal. Alexander-Arnold and Alvaro Carreras will feature as the full-backs, while Raul Asencio will pair up with Dean Huijsen in the heart of the defence.
As for the midifeld unit, Aurelien Tchouameni will take up the holding role in the centre of the park. He will receive significant support from Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga. The trio will look to control the tempo and ensure they dominate the proceedings.
Franco Mastantuono and Brahim Diaz should take charge on the flanks if Rodrygo is not a hundred per cent. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe will continue to lead the line for Real Madrid when they take on Valencia this weekend.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Mastantuono, Mbappe, Brahim
Diaz could be the X-factor for Real Madrid when they take on Valencia, despite not enjoying a consistent run of minutes this season. The Moroccan international has featured in 21 matches across competitions, but he has clocked just over 500 minutes, which underlines his role as a rotational option.
Even so, he has managed five goal contributions, including a goal, showing his ability to make an impact in limited opportunities. The 24-year-old’s confidence received a major boost during the AFCON, and that sharpness has carried into his recent club appearances.
Diaz was particularly influential in Real Madrid’s last league outing against Rayo Vallecano, providing two assists and injecting creativity between the lines. If handed another opportunity, his close control, energy, and eye for a decisive pass could trouble Valencia’s defence.
Real Madrid will head into this contest as the clear favourites, even with a few notable absentees, given their form in La Liga and the growing momentum behind their title push. Valencia’s recent improvement at the Mestalla suggests they will try to keep things compact and make life difficult for the visitors, but their defensive frailties and lack of consistency could be exposed against Madrid’s pace and control in midfield.
Los Blancos should have enough quality to eventually break the resistance, especially if they manage to dictate the tempo and strike early. Valencia may show fight, but over 90 minutes, Real Madrid’s superior depth and attacking firepower are expected to tell, making a comfortable away win the most likely outcome. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-0 win for the away team.
