Valencia Vs. Atletico Madrid Prediction: Los Che Lives On Mestalla

Hugo Duro has scored seven goals for Valencia in La Liga this season (photo: x @hugoduro14)

JAKARTA - An exciting match will be presented in La Liga on Saturday night, February 22 or early Sunday morning WIB, when Valencia, which is struggling to avoid relegation, will host Atletico Madrid who are competing at the top. The clashes at the Mestalla Stadium are predicted to be fierce, considering that both teams have a big interest in points hunting.

Valencia currently occupies the 18th position in the La Liga standings, with 23 points from 24 matches. Los Che have the same number of points as Las Palmas who are in 17th position, so they desperately need positive results to get out of the relegation zone.

Under the tutelage of Carlos Corberan, Valencia has shown improvements in recent matches. They have been unbeaten in the last three league games, recorded two wins over Celta Vigo and Leganes, and drew 1-1 against Villarreal in the previous match. In addition, Valencia suffered only one defeat in their last six matches, which became a positive signal in their struggle to avoid relegation.

Despite being in difficult conditions, Valencia has fond memories of facing Atletico Madrid at Mestalla last season. They managed to win 3-0 over Diego Simeone's team. However, Atletico responded with two consecutive wins since then, including a 3-0 win in the first meeting of the season at Wanda Metropolitano.

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid also need a win to keep the chances of winning. Los Rojiblancos are currently in third place with 50 points, only one point adrift of Real Madrid in second place and Barcelona lead the standings. With a schedule that will allow them to play first before their two rivals, Atletico has the chance to take over the top of the standings if they can beat Valencia.

Atletico have just been held to a 1-1 draw by Celta Vigo in their last game in La Liga. They played with 10 people since the seventh minute after Pablo Barrios got a red card. Celta had taken the lead with the Iago Aspas penalty, but Alexander Sorloth saved Atletico with a nine-minute finish.

Overall, Atletico have a record of 14 wins, eight draws, and two defeats in 24 games this season. However, their main draw lies in an away game, where they have won only five wins from 11 matches.

Valencia will not be strengthened by Thierry Correia who is still recovering from a serious knee injury. However, apart from Correia's absence, Los Che is in a fit condition to face Atletico.

Enzo Barrenechea, who previously suspended in the match against Villarreal, is certain to return to the main squad. The return of the defensive midfielder is likely to put Luis Rioja back on the bench.

Hugo Duro, who has scored seven goals in La Liga this season, will still be the mainstay in Valencia's front line. Meanwhile, Andre Almeida is expected to remain the main choice in the wing sector.

In the Atletico Madrid camp, Pablo Barrios had to be absent due to a suspension due to his red card against Celta Vigo. In addition, Samuel Lino is doubtful of appearing after suffering an injury in the same match.

Although Alexander Sorloth has performed brilliantly by scoring his 9th goal this season against Celta, he is likely to still start the match from the bench. Diego Simeone prefers the duet of Antoine Griezmann and Julian Alvarez as starters on attack.

Lino's absence is likely to give Conor Gallagher the opportunity to enter the starting XI. Meanwhile, Koke, who is experiencing a bit of fitness problems, is expected to appear as a starter in midfield.

Valencia has a pretty good home record this season, taking 18 points from 12 games played at Mestalla. They will rely on solid performance at home to try to secure points against Atletico.

However, Atletico have a more consistent record throughout the season and have a better squad depth than the hosts. Although their away performance has not been optimal, the experience and quality of Simeone's team can be different in this match.

Valencia is likely to play more defensively and rely on a quick counter-attack, while Atletico will be more dominant in possession of the ball. If Griezmann and Alvarez were able to perform sharply, Los Rojiblancos had a great chance of bringing home three points from Mestala.

Valencia (4-5-1): Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Tarrega, Mosquera, Gaya; D Lopez, Guerra, Barrenechea, Pepelu, Almeida; Duro.

Atletico Madrid (4-4-2):Oblak; Llorente, Gimenez, Le Normand, Galan; Simeone, De Paul, Koke, Gallagher; Griezmann, Alvarez.

Score prediction: Valencia 1-1 Atletico Madrid