Relegation-threatened Valencia are all set to host Real Madrid, who recently suffered a major setback in the Champions League.
Real Madrid, who suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City in their previous outing, are all set to hit the road to square up against Valencia. The home team are fighting for survival in the Spanish top flight, and they have a decent lead over the 18th-placed team and will look to extend it with a win over Los Blancos.
Valencia, who have won the La Liga six times, are fighting for survival. They have not been relegated to the Segunda Division since 1987. Despite being 14th in the table, they are still in the relegation mix, with only a three-point cushion over 18th-placed Getafe.
A win this weekend would significantly strengthen their position, especially considering their recent draw against Villarreal and a victory over Celta Vigo. But Valencia have done well at home, collecting 25 points from their 17 home league games this season. Their upcoming match against Real Madrid presents a significant opportunity for them to secure a positive result.
On the other hand, Real Madrid suffered a devastating 4-0 loss to Manchester City in the Champions League semi-final second leg, following a 1-1 draw in the first leg. While they clinched the Copa del Rey earlier in the month, their hopes of winning La Liga were dashed by Barcelona’s recent victory over Espanyol.
Currently engaged in a battle with Atletico Madrid for second place, Real Madrid aim to secure the runner-up position behind Barcelona. Despite their illustrious history, they have struggled in the league this season. Real Madrid have not managed consecutive league victories since February and will be determined to defeat Valencia.
In the reverse fixture, Real Madrid came out on top with a 2-0 scoreline. And, they will hope for something similar this time around. However, it won’t be that easy. Meanwhile, The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at this fixture and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
Team News & Tactics
Valencia
The home team will be without the services of Cristhian Mosquera and Marcos Andre, who are out injured. Their centre-back pairing of Gabriel Paulista and Mouctar Diakhaby, who started against Celta Vigo, are both suspended for this outing.
🗣️ @RubenBaraja's pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's home game 🆚 @realmadriden #ValenciaRealMadrid #Mestalla100 🦇🏟️💯
— Valencia CF (@valenciacf_en) May 20, 2023
Meanwhile, Edinson Cavani and Thierry Correia are back in the mix after serving their suspensions. Ruben Baraja is expected to go ahead with the 4-2-3-1 formation. Giorgi Mamardashvili should start in goal.
With Thierry Correia back, he is expected to start alongside Jose Gaya as the full-back. Cenk Ozkacar and Eray Comert will be the centre-back pairing. Javi Guerra and Nico González will start at the double pivot in the centre of the park. The duo will look to help out their defence against a star-studded Madrid attack.
Justin Kluivert and Samuel Lino will start out wide as the wingers. They will look to provide width to their attacks, meanwhile, Andre Almeida will feature as the attacking midfielder. He will look to link up with their star striker Edinson Cavani.
Possible Lineup (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Correia, Comert, Ozkacar, Gaya; Gonzalez, Guerra; Kluivert, Almeida, Lino; Cavani
Real Madrid
The visitors have no fresh injury concerns from their recent outing in the Champions League. Thibaut Courtois is the only player who is doubtful for this fixture, and he is unlikely to be risked.
📋✅ Our squad for the match 🆚 @valenciacf_en!#ValenciaRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/X4vRD1krz6
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 20, 2023
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti will look to make a few changes to the XI that was smashed at the hands of Manchester City. He will go ahead with the 4-3-3 formation where Andriy Lunin will be in goal.
Dani Carvajal and David Alaba should be the full-backs. Antonio Rudiger who came on as a substitute in the last fixture is expected to start alongside Eder Militao in the heart of the defence.
Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are expected to be rested for this outing. Aurelien Tchouameni should start as the defensive midfielder. Meanwhile, he will have the support of Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga. Marco Asensio and Vinicius Junior should start out wide as the wingers. And, their star striker Karim Benzema who was kept quiet by Manchester City over the two legs will be leading the line.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Lunin; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Alaba; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Asensio, Benzema, Vinicius
Key Stats
- Real Madrid have the best attack in the league with 70 goals so far.
- Los Blancos have won 105 out of the 198 matches played between the two teams.
- Valencia have failed to avoid a defeat in their last four matches against the Madrid-based club in the league.
- Real Madrid had won their previous away match against Valencia 2-1.
- Carlo Ancelotti’s men have only won two out of their last five matches in all competitions.
Player to Watch
Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior has been a standout performer for Real Madrid this season and will undoubtedly be a player to watch out for in the upcoming match against Valencia. Despite being kept quiet by Manchester City in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final, the Brazilian international has been in scintillating form throughout the campaign.
He has an impressive record of 23 goals and 21 assists in 53 appearances. The 22-year-old possesses blistering pace, exceptional dribbling skills, and a knack for finding the back of the net. His hunger to bounce back after a challenging outing against City will fuel his desire to make a decisive contribution against Valencia.
Prediction
Valencia 1-2 Real Madrid
Valencia will be fighting to avoid relegation and will be motivated to secure a crucial victory. Their determination and home advantage may pose a significant challenge for Los Blancos. Meanwhile, Real Madrid aims to consolidate their position in the battle for second place.
They will be eager to bounce back after suffering a humiliating defeat against Manchester City. Expect an intense and closely contested match. However, Real Madrid’s quality and experience may give them the edge to secure a hard-fought victory. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for the away team.
