Prediction: Valencia vs Atletico Madrid

Verdict: Atletico Madrid win

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Luckster

Looking to lay down another La Liga marker on Saturday afternoon, Atletico Madrid will travel to the Mestalla when they meet Valencia.

Valencia

Starting with the hosts, while Valencia might have opened the 2023/24 campaign with an early flurry, the Bats came crashing back down to earth prior to September’s international break. Along with slumping to a 2-1 defeat at home against Osasuna on August 27th, Ruben Baraja’s side were also last seen putting in another downbeat performance. Eventually suffering a 1-0 defeat at home against Alaves, Los Ches are seeking some much-needed stability. Firmly at the heart of a relegation scrap last season and only just limping their way over the finish line, it is no secret that Valencia are still dealing with some public financial issues behind the scenes at the Mestalla. Likewise, hit with a routine 3-0 drumming when they travelled to the Spanish capital for their most recent meeting against Saturday’s guests back on March 18th, Baraja’s side should be bracing themselves for a stern challenge here.

Team News

Still yet to make a single La Liga appearance so far this season, Valencia will once again be unable to call upon 22-year-old Alberto Mari on Saturday afternoon. Likewise, the Bats are still sweating over the fitness of former Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista this weekend.

Only making a couple of cameo appearances off the bench prior to September’s international break, ex-Brentford star Sergi Canos could make a first start of the season here. Likewise, Ukraine international Roman Yaremchuk looks set to make his full Valencia debut in Catalonia.

Atletico Madrid

As for the visitors, after being handed an extended break prior to September’s international break, Atletico Madrid should be relishing a return to La Liga action this weekend. Last seen back on August 28th as they stormed their way to a stunning 7-0 romp away at Rayo Vallecano, the mood in Diego Simeone’s camp should be at a red-hot high. With their sights set on trying to mounting a genuine title charge this time around, the former champions have collected seven points from their opening three La Liga appearances. Getting proceedings underway with a routine 3-1 win against Granada on August 14th, Atletico will be smelling the chance to lay down another marker here. Really finding a clinical edge in the final third and already notching 10 strikes on their three-match unbeaten flurry, Simeone’s side will be excited by their eye-catching record against Los Ches. Including that 3-0 romp back on March 18th, Saturday’s guests are unbeaten in each of their last 17 straight meetings – a run that stems all the way back to October 2014.

Team News

Missing out on this month’s international break with Holland after sustaining a hamstring injury, Atletico Madrid are still sweating over the fitness of Memphis Depay here. The ex-Manchester United star should be replaced in the final third by the free-scoring Alvaro Morata.

Still dealing with a long-term knee injury and yet to make a single La Liga appearance since opening up the 2023/24 campaign, Uruguayan international Jose Maria Gimenez remains on the sidelines. The 28-year-old is joined on the treatment table by both Thomas Lemar and Koke.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met back on March 18th, Atletico Madrid stormed their way to a 3-0 victory on home soil.
• Likewise, Saturday’s guests are unbeaten in each of their last 17 straight meetings – a run that stems all the way back to October 2014.
• Continuing on from last season, Valencia have won just a pair of their previous seven La Liga appearances.
• Atletico have notched 10 strikes from their opening three La Liga appearances this season.
• French international Antoine Griezmann has notched three strikes in his last four meetings against Valencia.

Conclusion

Handed an extended rest prior to September’s international break, Atletico Madrid should be smelling the chance to lay down another marker here. Last seen signing off August with a stellar 7-0 romp away at Rayo Vallecano, Simeone’s men will also be excited by their remarkable record against Saturday’s hosts. Including a 3-0 victory when they welcomed Valencia to the capital back on March 18th, it should be noted that the former Spanish champions are unbeaten in each of their last 17 straight meetings against Los Ches.

Verdict: Atletico Madrid win

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Luckster