Prediction: Real Madrid vs Valencia

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: 888sport

Real Madrid did not show any signs of rust in their return to league play and cruised to a solid win over Eibar. They will endure a tough challenge on Thursday, however, as they will face Valencia at home. Los Che have been a massive disappointment and face a daunting task against Los Merengues. Kick-off for this match has been scheduled for Thursday at 21:00 GMT.

Real Madrid

Los Merengues delivered a strong performance in their previous league match, as first-half goals from Toni Kroos, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo lifted them to a comfortable 3-1 win over Eibar. Having said that, Los Merengues will play with their backs against the wall once again. Barcelona secured the three points in their Tuesday match against Leganes, so Zinedine Zidane’s men will have to produce another win if they want to remain just two points behind the current league leaders. As of now, Los Blancos sit five points behind their long-tenured opponents of Catalunya. When it comes to recent form, Real Madrid have gone W2, D1, L2, although they have won their past two contests at home — including one against Barcelona. Facing a tough side such as Valencia is not easy, but Los Merengues are more than capable of earning a positive result here.

Team News

Luka Jovic (calf), Lucas Vazquez (calf) and Nacho (muscular) have all been ruled out for this game due to injury.

Dani Carvajal (ankle) will be a game-time decision. The same thing can be said about Mariano Diaz (undisclosed), Eden Hazard (ankle) and Sergio Ramos (undisclosed).

Valencia

Valencia have been one of the biggest disappointments of the 2019-20 Liga season. They were expected to contend for a 2020-21 UEFA Champions League berth or, at the very least, they were likely to be among the candidates to finish as one of Spain’s representatives in the UEFA Europa League. Instead, Los Che currently sit in eighth place of the standings with 43 points and, as of now, they wouldn’t be playing in Europe during the upcoming season. Valencia are coming off back-to-back draws and have lost just one of their last five league matches, however, so the Mestalla outfit might be in a good run of form entering this contest. Playing on the road against Real Madrid is never easy, though. Over their last 10 meetings against Los Merengues away from home in all competitions, Valencia own a D5, L5 mark.

Team News

Ezequiel Garay and Cristiano Piccini have both been ruled out for this match. Both players are dealing with knee injuries.

To make things even more complicated, Gabriel Paulista is questionable due to a muscular problem. He will be a game-time decision for the coaching staff.

Key Factors to Consider

• These two sides already met once in 2020. They collided in the Spain Super Cup, where Real Madrid secured a comfortable 3-1 win.
• There have been several goals every time these two sides play against each other. The last five H2H meetings between both clubs in all competitions have averaged 3.2 goals per game.
• Also it’s worth noting both clubs have scored in four of those five matches. That has also been the case in nine of the last 10 games between Madridistas and Los Che.
• Real Madrid are undefeated in their last 13 home matches against Valencia in all competitions. They have posted a W8, D5 mark during that stretch.
• Valencia have won just two of their last 10 away games in all competitions (excluding extra time: W2, D3, L5)

Conclusion

Both teams scoring has been a trend between these two sides —  that has happened in 14 of the last 15 matches between both sides in all competitions.

Expect that to happen once again here. Both sides could find the back of the net in this contest, even if Los Merengues are viewed as heavy favourites to get the three points.

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: 888sport