Carlo Ancelotti’s side are currently second in the table, two points clear of third-placed Atletico Madrid, while Valencia occupy 14th, three points clear of the relegation zone heading into the final straight.
Team News
Valencia
- Valencia will have to change their two starting centre-backs from the win over Celta, as Gabriel Paulista and Mouctar Diakhaby are both suspended for this weekend’s match.
- Paulista was sent off in the latter stages of Los Che’s 2-1 win, while Diakhaby picked up a milestone yellow card, so Cenk Ozkacar and Eray Comert are expected to come into the starting side.
- Edinson Cavani and Thierry Correia will return from suspensions of their own, but Cristhian Mosquera and Marcos Andre will again be unavailable for Baraja’s side due to injuries.
Real Madrid
- Thibaut Courtois is a doubt for the contest due to a triceps injury, with the Belgium international unlikely to be risked this weekend.
- Los Blancos have not reported any fresh concerns from their loss to Man City, but there are expected to be changes for this match, with the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Marco Asensio and Aurelien Tchouameni all in line for starts.
- Eduardo Camavinga could be moved into central midfield, with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos expected to drop down to the bench for the Copa del Rey holders on Sunday.
Possible Lineup
Valencia: Mamardashvili; Correia, Comert, Ozkacar, Gaya; Gonzalez, Guerra; Kluivert, Almeida, Lino; Cavani
Real Madrid: Lunin; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Alaba; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Asensio, Benzema, Vinicius
Prediction Analysis
Real Madrid will be determined to bounce back from their disappointing performance and result against Man City, but Valencia are fighting for their lives towards the bottom and will enter this game in strong form. It would not be a surprise to see an away win here, but we believe that the points will be shared.
Our prediction is Valencia 1-1 Real Madrid