Valencia will host Real Valladolid in a clash that is all about who wants it the most when it comes to surviving in La Liga. While Valladolid are in a much better position than Valencia in the La Liga table, there is all to play for both teams at the infamous Mestalla.
In the past 11 matches that these two sides have squared off, Valencia have won five games while their opponents on Wednesday have only managed to register a solitary victory. Things have not been looking great for both of these teams this term, either.
Valencia are currently in the drop zone in the 18th position on goal difference and so a victory against a side they have been historically dominant against, could help them in their bid to retain their La Liga status beyond this season. While they also underwent a managerial change earlier this season when Mattuso Gusto was sacked, his successor Ruben Baraja has not been able to do enough to turn around his side’s fortunes in the Spanish top flight this year. That being said, his overall record only boasts of three wins while registering five losses and a draw. Therefore, Los Che will be desperate for three vital points on Wednesday.
In their past five matches in La Liga, Valencia have only been able to secure two victories while dropping all three points on three occasions. Their 2-0 victory against fellow relegation contenders Elche saw them earn three vital points but it was not enough to bring them back to safety. Therefore, while his side’s recent form has been a concern for Baraja, it could all change against Valladolid.
The only positive in their current situation is that the Valencia injury room is running empty. However, several first-team stars are running the risk of suspension for their next fixture. Edinson Cavani, Dimitri Foulquier, Jose Gaya, Eray Comert, Mouctar Diakhaby, and Thierry Correia are all on four yellow cards so will have to be disciplined on Wednesday.
Real Valladolid are 14th in the table and are five points adrift of Valencia. The gap could potentially close down to two or increase to eight following the conclusion of this fixture but the Pucela will hope to steer further clear of the drop zone
Paulo Pezzolano's side has been in fine form, registering two wins on the trot, and given the way things have gone for Valencia this term, one would expect them to make it a hat-trick of wins. There is no denying that Valladolid would start as the favorite for this clash despite them playing away from home.
Midfielder Anuar has been nursing a cruciate ligament injury since September last year and has missed 28 games this season. He has been ruled out for this fixture as well and will be joined by Lucas Olaza, who sustained a thigh injury earlier this month. There is consensus that he will not be a part of this clash and so is likely to sit this one out. Loanee Cyle Larin has been in fine form this season but is at risk of suspension and so he has to walk a fine thread.
Samuel Lino has been one of Valencia’s key features this season and is also expected to start this one. The South American winger has netted five times in La Liga this term and will be vital to the home side on Wednesday and their quest to secure at least a point from this fixture. The 23-year-old can initiate counterattacks and has the ability to play the final decisive pass but he needs to be at his absolute best if he is to lead his team back into safety.
Sergio Leon will be the player to watch out for the visiting side. The 34-year-old has scored seven goals this season but has failed to find the net since December 10. That being said, now would be the near-perfect time to end his barren run in front of the goal though it remains to be seen if he will start this game or come off the bench. He did not feature in the game against Girona but is in the reckoning to play a role in this one.
Expert Opinion: Valencia hold the best defensive record (36 goals conceded in 30 games) in among the teams battling relegation while Real Valladolid have been woeful in front of the goal this season with only 26 goals, averaging less than a goal a game. So, this could well be the case of a hard-fought stalemate and the neutrals should not really expect a goal-fest at the Mestalla on Wednesday. It could well be the scenario where the one who gets his tactics spot on will take home the win.