Valencia vs Real Madrid: Match preview | La Liga
In the final match before the international break, Real Madrid will travel to Mestalla to lock horns with 19th-placed Valencia.
The home team is currently in the relegation zone and will face a spirited, upbeat Real Madrid side on a 7-match winning streak, looking to extend it to 8.
Jose Mourinho to play a second-string side or full-strength?
Real Madrid’s versatile squad depth allowed the men in white to overcome what could have been a confidence-breaking defeat against AEK Athens, thanks to a sensational Fede Valverde goal and Brahim Diaz with the assist.
Since this happens to be the final match before the two-week break, it shall be interesting to see whether the Portuguese at the helm chooses to play a full-strength team or gives a start to players like Carlos Espi, Endrick, Brahim Diaz or Alvaro Carreras.
Yan Diomande will return to the left wing as this match ends Vinicius Junior’s suspension and is expected to consistently get minutes despite the Ivorian clearly being the better of the two players this season.
After being rested for the Champions League fixture, Arda Guler is expected to return to the lineup. The Turk has proven his worth, and it is quite clear how Real Madrid operates in his presence and in his absence.
Valencia, on the other hand, has endured a poor season so far, and their position in the league table makes it evident. They are yet to win a match at home in La Liga, as both their victories came away from home (Deportivo Alaves and Elche).
This match presents an opportunity for the Los Blancos to wrap up a tough part of the season on a winning note and extend their winning streak. However, Valencia are not to be counted out, as they will come out all guns blazing against a strong Madrid side.
