La Liga: It’s Time to Take Valencia Seriously Again

Real Madrid vs Valencia

Real Madrid will try to get back to the top of La Liga on Saturday when they host Ruben Baraja’s Valencia in a tasty clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The title favourites were frustrated last week because they were held to a goalless draw by Rayo Vallecano, while Valencia won 1-0 at home to Granada. Los Blancos are currently trailing the surprise package, Girona by two points, while Barcelona are two further back in third place with Atletico Madrid fourth.

This matchlooks like a home win in the making, but Los Ches are more of a threat than they have been for a number of seasons.

Currently sitting in eighth, Valencia are nailed on to finish higher than their 16^th place finish last season. A top half spot is the minimum expectation of the passionate fans at the Mestalla, and Baraja’s team will give Los Blancos a serious test on Saturday.         

Carlo Ancelotti has three days to prepare his side after they were in action on Wednesday with a Champions League Group C clash with Braga. Los Blancos came through that game with a 3-0 win, and now they have their full focus on a dangerous Valencia. 

Talking Points

Bellingham rested and ready

Real Madrid’s player of the season has made an explosive start to his career at the Santiago Bernabeu, and Ancelotti knows that midfield ace Jude Bellingham is crucial to his chances of league success. So he rested him for the clash with Braga and left the stage for Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo to grab the headlines in a comfortable win.

This is a team with plenty of young attacking talent, but Bellingham has just won the Kopa Trophy for the best young player in the world, and the way he has started this campaign, with 10 goals from his first 10 league games, he is sure to be on the shortlist for the Ballon d’Or next year.

Bellingham picked up a knock during the draw with Rayo Vallecano, so Ancelotti had an easy decision to rest him. But it was not so serious that he couldn’t take his place on the bench, and the England man is sure to start against Los Ches.

But one player who will be missing is midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni who suffered a foot injury during the El Clasico win over Barcelona, and that could open the door for Eduardo Camavinga to make a start.

At SBOTOP odds of 1.63, Los Blancos are in pole position to win the 2023/24 La Liga title, but they could be five points behind Girona, who play Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, before they kick off against Valencia.

And with Barcelona in the rear view mirror, Ancelotti’s men need to win this game and pick up more positive La Liga 2023 results to stay favourites.   

Amallah out for Valencia

Moroccan midfielder Selim Amallah will be missing for the visitors since he limped off after just 24 minutes of Valencia’s win over Granada last week. The star has sustained a groin injury and will be sidelined until after the international break, and that is a problem for Baraja.

Amallah has impressed since his loan move from Real Valladolid in the summer and has made himself one of the first names on the Valencia team sheet. Former Brentford star Sergi Canos replaced the Moroccan, and he could be in line for a start against Los Blancos. 

Los Ches will need a bit of luck to beat Real Madrid or for the hosts to have an off day, but they have key players of their own who need to be at their best.

Young striker Hugo Duro is becoming one of La Liga’s hottest properties, and he is top scoring with five goals, while Spain left-back Jose Gaya is a commanding figure at the heart of defence.

While it will be difficult to keep Bellingham quiet in midfield, if Los Ches can win some battles at either end of the pitch, they will give Real Madrid a difficult test.             

History

Los Ches have had a decent share of success over the last 30 years of head-to-heads with 15 wins and 14 draws, though Los Blancos have had the lion’s share with 39 wins.

Valencia won the last meeting, a 1-0 victory at the Mestalla Stadium in May, though Real Madrid won 2-0 when they welcomed Los Ches earlier in the campaign.   

Valencia have not won at the Santiago Bernabeu on their last 17 visits, and Los Blancos are unbeaten at home this season.

With four wins and two draws from the last six gamesm Real Madrid are in slightly better form that Los Ches, who have won three, drawn two, and lost one.   

Betting Tip

The pre-match La Liga 2023 betting odds are right behind the hosts. Ancelotti’s side are installed at 1.31 to win, with the draw at 4.74 and Valencia at 6.56.  

I think a resurgent Valencia will stay in the game, and a 2-1 home win is at 7.33, and Los Blancos fans would take that right now.  

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.