Valencia vs Real Valladolid 12/01/19

12 January 2019

The in-trouble Valencia side prepare to host Real Valladolid to the Estadio de Mestalla, with Marcelino Garcia Toral hoping to see his players bouncing back from two straight defeats in domestic competitions.

The hosts come into this meeting following a disappointing 2-1 away loss to Sporting Gijon in midweek’s Copa del Rey clash, which was their second failure in a row. Valencia’s defensive frailties have seen them concede in six consecutive games in all competitions, allowing over 1.5 goals per match in both of their last two fixtures. The Oranges have secured just two wins in nine matches at Mestalla this term, being held to six draws while suffering one loss in the process. However, the Bats are unbeaten in their last six home encounters in all competitions (W5, D1), with Marcelino’s men scoring over 1.5 goals in three of those triumphs. Still, Valencia’s main problem this season relates to their uninspiring displays in the final third that has seen them score over 1.5 goals per match three times in the opening 18 La Liga clashes, which is the joint-worst record in the Spanish top flight.

Meanwhile, the visitors are winless in their last three La Liga outings (D1, L2) as they currently sit just four points clear of the relegation zone. Valladolid’s massive defensive problems have seen them concede in ten of their previous 11 competitive encounters. What’s more, the returnees have failed to keep a clean sheet on five successive road trips although allowed over 1.5 goals per match just once in the process. On the other hand, only four teams have scored fewer goals on the road than the Pucelanos (8) this campaign, with Sergio Gonzalez’s men bagging over 1.5 goals per match on just two occasions so far. Only 22% of Valladolid’s away meetings have produced over 2.5 goals, with three of their nine road clashes ended with both teams scoring.

Provisional line-up – Valencia:

Gk: Neto Defense: Lato – Garay – Gabriel Paulista – Diakhaby – Piccini Midfield: Daniel Wass – Daniel Parejo – Cheryshev Attack: Santi Mina – Rodrigo Moreno

Provisional line-up – Real Valladolid:

Gk: Jordi Masip Defense: Javi Moyano – Nacho – Kiko Olivas – Calero Midfield: Michel – Toni – Oscar Plano – Ruben Alcaraz Attack: Keko – Enes Unal