Valencia Vs. Real Valladolid Prediction: Duel Dies In The Relegation Zone

Luis Rioja, must equip Valencia from the snares of relegation (photo: x @valenciacf)

JAKARTA - Two teams stuck in La Liga's relegation zone will face off in a crucial match on Saturday night, March 8, when Valencia host Real Valladolid at Estadio Mestala. Valencia, which in the previous match drew 3-3 against Osasuna, is currently ranked 18th with 24 points, the same as Las Palmas who occupies the 17th position. Meanwhile, Real Valladolid is set at the bottom of the standings by only collecting 16 points from 26 matches.

Valencia has a record of five wins, nine draws, and 12 defeats so far this season. Carlos Corberan's squad had won three wins in four matches between January 19 and February 9, but they were only able to get two points from the last three matches, including a draw against Villarreal and Osasuna and a 0-3 defeat to Atletico Madrid.

Mestalla is still the main force for Valencia, with 18 of their total 24 points this season achieved at home. If they want to stay in La Liga, their performance at Mestalla must continue to be relied on, considering they have never won an away game this season.

Valencia was last relegated from La Liga in 1986, so their relegation this season will be a big surprise. In the first meeting of the season, they lost 0-1 to Real Valladolid, but Valencia won 2-1 in the last meeting at Mestalla in the 2022-23 season.

On the other hand, Real Valladolid has had a very difficult season, only able to win four wins from 26 games. They have record defense and worst attack in La Liga, scoring only 17 goals and conceding 60 times.

However, they managed to stop the six consecutive defeats by drawing 1-1 against Las Palmas in the last game. The result provided a glimmer of hope for Alvaro Rubio's side. Unfortunately, they still struggled to score points in away matches, only collecting three points from 13 away games this season and scoring nine goals.

Valencia is confirmed to be without Thierry Correia who suffered a long-term knee injury, but they have no other injury problems. Hugo Duro has recovered from injury and is likely to return to the squad, although Umar Sadiq is expected to start after scoring two goals against Osasuna. Luis Rioja and Diego Lopez will fill the wing, while Ivan Jaime is predicted to appear as attacking midfielders behind Sadiq.

In the Real Valladolid camp, Stanko Juric is back available after being suspended, but Andre Ferreira is doubtful about appearing due to muscle problems. Joseph Aidoo is also likely still absent. Alvaro Rubio will likely not make much changes in the line-up after solid performance at the draw against Las Palmas. Juric is expected to return to midfield, while Juanmi Latasa has the potential to start after scoring a goal as a substitute in the last game.

This match will be a life and death battle for both teams struggling to get out of the relegation zone. Valencia will rely on Mestalla's public support, while Real Valladolid hopes to take advantage of the momentum of their final draw. Will Valencia manage to secure three crucial points, or is it Real Valladolid who complicate the host's situation? We look forward to this predicted match.

Valencia (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Tarrega, Mosquera, Gaya; Guerra, Barrenechea; Rioja, Jaime, D Lopez; Sadiq.

Real Valladolid (4-2-3-1): Hein; Candela, Comert, J Sanchez, Aznou; Grillitsch, Juric; Tuhami, Amallah, Moro; Latasa.