Jose Mourinho’s side arrive in excellent form, having won seven consecutive matches in all competitions, while Valencia are hoping recent signs of improvement can help them climb away from the relegation zone.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 37/50

Bookmaker: 22bet

Valencia

Valencia’s season has been a struggle from the outset.

Los Che sit 19th in the standings with just nine points from 11 league matches and boast one of the weakest attacking records in the division, having scored only eight goals all season. Those numbers underline the scale of the challenge facing Javier Aguirre as he attempts to steer the club away from danger.

There was at least a welcome boost before the international break, as Umar Sadiq’s goal secured a vital 1-0 victory away to Elche. The success ended a difficult run and offered supporters hope that results may finally be turning in the right direction.

Now, Valencia have the opportunity to record back-to-back league victories for the first time since last season, although few opponents provide a sterner test than Real Madrid.

Team News

Sergi Canos, Diego Lopez and David Otorbi are unavailable, while Jose Manuel Copete faces a late fitness assessment.

The return of Sadiq, however, comes at an important time. After scoring the winner against Elche, the striker is expected to return to the starting lineup, while Harvey Elliott is available again following suspension.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid head to the east coast as one of Europe’s form teams.

Mourinho’s side made it seven straight victories in all competitions with a dramatic 3-2 Champions League success away to AEK Athens in midweek. That result continued a remarkable run that has also included victories over Barcelona, Sevilla, Roma and RB Leipzig.

The Clasico triumph at the end of October was particularly significant, cutting Barcelona’s lead at the top of the table and re-energising Madrid’s title challenge.

Los Blancos currently sit third with nine wins from 11 league fixtures and know that another victory would draw them level on points with the Catalan leaders before Barcelona’s next outing.

Team News

Rodrygo, Raul Asencio and Ferland Mendy remain unavailable, while Vinicius Junior serves the final match of his domestic suspension.

Even so, Madrid’s squad depth remains formidable. Kylian Mbappe continues to spearhead the attack, Jude Bellingham remains a decisive influence between the lines, and Federico Valverde arrives buoyed by his winning goal against AEK Athens.

Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni are also expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested in Europe.

Key Factors to Consider

• Real Madrid have won seven consecutive matches in all competitions.
• Valencia have scored only eight goals in 11 league fixtures.
• Los Blancos defeated Barcelona 2-1 in their most recent league outing.
• Valencia ended their winless run with a 1-0 victory over Elche.
• Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham continue to lead Madrid’s attack.
• Vinicius Junior remains suspended for one more domestic match.

Conclusion

Valencia should provide a competitive test at Mestalla, particularly after gaining confidence from their recent victory over Elche. The hosts have enough quality to trouble Madrid at times, and home support could help them produce one of their better displays of the season.

However, Real Madrid are operating at a different level right now. Mourinho’s side continue to find ways to win, possess significantly more quality throughout the squad, and are carrying considerable momentum into the fixture.

Valencia may find the net, but Madrid’s attacking strength should ultimately prove decisive.