Rescheduled Matchday 12 in La Liga between Valencia and Real Madrid will take place on January 3 at the Mestalla Stadium. Valencia vs. Real Madrid: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Referee: Cesar Soto Grado (Spain)
Matches – 9 (La Liga, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 40;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.4;
Red cards shown – 3;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 0%.
Predicted lineups for Valencia vs. Real Madrid
Valencia (4-2-3-1): Stole Dimitrievski – Luis Rioja, Jarek Gasirowski, Dimitri Foulquier, Cristhian Mosquera – Enzo Barrenechea, Javi Guerra – Andre Almeida, Fran Perez, Diego Lopez – Hugo Duro.
Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Thibaut Courtois – Lucas Vazquez, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni, Antonio Rudiger – Federico Valverde, Dani Ceballos – Brahim Diaz, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes – Kylian Mbappe.
The starting lineup for each team in their last match in this tournament is listed.
Valencia
Valencia has not tasted victory in their last five league matches. During this streak, the team suffered three one-goal defeats, followed by draws against Espanyol (1-1) and Alaves (2-2). The club remains in the relegation zone, having won only two of their 17 La Liga games. This situation led to the dismissal of head coach Ruben Baraja, with Carlos Corberan, formerly of West Bromwich Albion, appointed as his replacement.
Due to injuries, goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, forward Rafa Mir, midfielder Fran Perez, and defenders Jose Luis Gaya and Thierry Correia will not play. Midfielder Pepelu is out due to suspension.
- Valencia has failed to win 22 of their last 24 La Liga matches (8 draws and 14 losses).
- No more than three goals have been scored in 12 of Valencia's last 15 La Liga games.
- The team has not won the first half in 13 consecutive home league matches (9 draws and 4 losses).
Real Madrid
The capital club has scored 13 goals in their last three league matches. First, they thrashed Girona 3-0 away, drew 3-3 with Rayo Vallecano, and then defeated Sevilla at home 4-2. As a result, the team has overtaken Barcelona by two points (with a game in hand) but remains one point behind Atletico, who lead the standings.
Defenders David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, and Eder Militao will not play in this match due to injuries.
- In their last 50 La Liga matches, Real Madrid has suffered only two defeats (36 wins and 12 draws).
- At least three goals have been scored in 8 of Real Madrid's last 9 league games.
- Both teams have scored in 7 of Real Madrid's last 10 away La Liga matches.
Valencia vs. Real Madrid: Match Prediction
If Real Madrid wins this rescheduled match, they will return to the top of the table. However, their city rivals Atletico will still have a game in hand. Carlo Ancelotti's side must capitalize on this opportunity, especially as they can extend their lead over Barcelona to five points. Valencia is not considered a dangerous opponent, as they are near the bottom of the table, rarely win, score few goals, and have recently lost their head coach. It's unlikely the new coach will be able to make significant changes in a week, so I expect only an away victory in this game.
Valencia has lost at home this season to Las Palmas (2-3) and Rayo Vallecano (0-1), and dropped points against Alaves (2-2) and Osasuna (0-0). It will be extremely difficult for the current team to cope with Real Madrid. Real Madrid has lost only once in their last 24 away La Liga matches. If they have dropped points away, it was against much stronger opponents. Additionally, in their last seven head-to-head La Liga meetings, Real Madrid has won five times, with one draw, and only once has Valencia won. Therefore, my prediction is Real Madrid with a handicap (-1).
