Prediction: Real Madrid vs Valencia

Verdict: Real Madrid win & both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/1

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to make it three wins on the bounce this weekend, Real Madrid will host Valencia from behind closed doors on Sunday afternoon.

Real Madrid

Starting with the hosts, managing to pick up what was a much-needed victory against Getafe earlier in the week, there is no doubt that Real Madrid are a side seeking some stability. Still looking to close the eight-point buffer that Atletico hold over them at the top of the table, the defending champions have managed to muster themselves nine points from their last four La Liga matchups. However, crashing out of the Copa del Rey last month thanks to what was a stunning 2-1 defeat away at lower-league Alcoyano, another loss at the hands of Levante on January 30th did highlight some underlying issues in Zinedine Zidane’s camp. Never the less, with a Champions League knockout tie against Atalanta on the horizon, Los Blancos should take some solace from their overall success on home soil. Knowing they have a real chance to collect three points in the capital, Madrid have won five of their last six La Liga matchups at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano.

Team News

Real Madrid have already confirmed that they will be without the likes of Rodrygo Goes, Eden Hazard, Sergio Ramos, Federico Valverde, Eder Militao and Alvaro Odriozola this weekend.

However, in a boost for Los Blancos, both Lucas Vazquez and Dani Carvajal could make their return on Sunday.

Valencia

As for the visitors, while Valencia might have managed to come from behind and grab themselves a point away at Athletic Bilbao last weekend, the Bats are another side seeking some stability. Despite managing to land themselves a much-needed 1-0 win against Eibar when drawing a close to January, Los murciélagos have recorded just a single win in their last five attempts. Crashing out of the Copa del Rey thanks to a 3-0 hammering at the hands of Sevilla last month, Head Coach Javi Gracia knows that he still has a rebuilding job on his hands at the Mestalla. Still battling it out in the bottom-half of the table, the former Watford boss has seen his side gain a reputation for their extended issues on the road. Facing a tough trip to the capital on Sunday afternoon, Valencia have recorded just a sole La Liga win on their travels since the end of September.

Team News

Valencia are set to once again be without the quartet of Mouctar Diakhaby, Cristiano Piccini and Denis Cheryshev this weekend.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides faced off in the reverse fixture back in November, Valencia picked up a stunning 4-1 win.
• However, the Bats have failed to record a win away at Los Blancos since way back in 2008.
• Real Madrid have won five of their last six La Liga matchups on home soil.
• Valencia have managed to win just one of their last five matchups across all formats.
• Four of the last five meetings between Sunday’s opponents has finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

While Valencia might have clinched that stunning 4-1 romp when they faced off against Los Blancos in the reverse fixture back in November, the Bats face a stern test this weekend. Although Real Madrid might have shown their own inconsistencies this season, the defending champions know that they must start to make up some ground. Managing to win three of their last four La Liga contests, it should also be noted that the Whites hold a very impressive record on home soil. Winning five of their last six top-flight contests at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stéfano, we’re backing a similar outcome in the capital.

Verdict: Real Madrid win & both teams to score

Best Odds: 2/1

Bookmaker: Unibet