Verdict: Over 2,5 goals scored – yes
Best Odds: 11/20
Bookmaker: 888sport
Both Real Madrid and Valencia are coming off huge wins in the UEFA Champions League earlier this week, and now both teams will square off in a thrilling LaLiga match Sunday. Los Merengues can move to the top of the standings with a win, while Valencia are looking to get closer to a potential Top 4 spot. This contest will kick-off Sunday at 20:00 GMT at Mestalla Stadium.
Valencia
Valencia are coming off a huge 1-0 away win over Ajax in the UEFA Champions League earlier this week, and that result granted them a spot in the competition’s knockout stages. Los Che have been playing at a very high level on the Liga as well, as they enter this contest on a three-game undefeated streak (W2, D1) and are on the heels of a 4-2 away win at Levante the last time out. Winners of four of their last five league matches, Valencia seem to be on the rise and their quest is clear. With 26 points out of 16 games (W7, D5, L4), they want to move closer to a Top 4 spot and a win could grant them exactly that. However, they would depend on other results to sneak into that group.
Team News
Kevin Gameiro (calf) and Cristiano Piccini (knee) have both been ruled out of this game.
Several other players have been listed as questionable. The list includes several first-team regulars such as Jasper Cillessen (thigh), Maxi Gomez (calf), Goncalo Guedes (ankle) and Lee Kang-in (thigh).
Real Madrid
Los Merengues are on their best run of form this season, and are coming off a solid 3-1 away win at Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League earlier this week. Zinedine Zidane’s had already clinched a spot in the knockout stages prior to this week, and they also sit in second place of the standings in LaLiga with 34 points (W10, D4, L1). No team in the league has lost fewer matches than Los Blancos and they also have a golden chance to move into the top of the standings. Following Barca’s 2-2 draw at Real Sociedad on Saturday, the Santiago Bernabeu outfit know a win here would grant them the top spot of the league standings with a two-point edge over Los Blaugranas. Moving past them would be a morale-boosting result ahead of the Superclasico next week.
Team News
Real Madrid will feature several absentees ahead of this contest. Eden Hazard (ankle), Marco Asensio (knee), James Rodriguez (knee), Marcelo (calf) and Ferland Mendy (suspension) are out, so Zidane will have to find alternatives, particularly on the left side of the pitch.
Plus, Lucas Vazquez is doubtful due to a toe injury. He will be a game-time decision.
Key Factors to Consider
- Real Madrid have an edge on their last league meetings against Valencia, losing just once in the last five (W3, D1 L1). That defeat, however, came on the most recent meeting between both sides.
- Los Merengues have scored two or more goals in eight of their last nine matches in all competitions. They own a W7, D2 mark over that span.
- Real Madrid are riding a 10-game undefeated streak, with eight wins and two draws over that span.
- Meanwhile, Valencia are on a three-game winning run and a four-game undefeated streak (W3, D1).
- Los Che have seen both teams scoring in four of their last five matches in all competitions.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, four of the last H2H meetings between these two sides have featured at least three goals. Knowing what’s at stake here, both teams should be quite active on the attacking end once again.
It’s safe to expect at least three goals scored in total ince again.
Verdict: Over 2,5 goals scored – yes
Best Odds: 11/20
Bookmaker: 888sport
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