Valencia vs Villarreal: Can Los Che make it consecutive wins in La Liga 2023/24?

Valencia vs Villarreal: Valencia and Villarreal will play an entertaining match on Tuesday night at the Mestalla with the aim of winning back-to-back matches in Spain top football division La Liga.

Preview: Valencia and Villarreal set for La Liga clash after winter break

Valencia and Villarreal are preparing for an exciting match in La Liga after the winter break. Valencia come into the game fresh from their second away league win of the season, a 1–0 win against Rayo Vallecano in Madrid. The group is looking to gain confidence and win two games in a row, something they have not done since the start of the season.

Valencia have improved after finishing 16th last season under head coach Ruben Barraza. Los Che, now tenth in the league, have earned 23 points from their 18 league games, winning six, drawing five and losing seven. Despite struggles with consistency, their home record is strong – four wins, two draws and two losses from eight matches – giving them 14 points.

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Sergi Canos’ goal against Rayo Vallecano in the second half inspired Valencia to their latest victory. They have been winless in their last three meetings with Villarreal, including a 1-1 draw at the Mestalla last season, so will have a historic hurdle to overcome.

Villarreal have not been at their best this season; He is now at 13th position. Although they recently beat Celta Vigo 3-2, they are currently 11 points behind the sixth-placed team. However, Valencia’s 10th-place finish suggests a more successful campaign; With their close win over Rayo Vallecano, the club is playing with confidence.

The game, with both sides preparing for battle, promises to be an exciting contest between two La Liga contenders looking to win the second half of the season.

Head-to-Head: Valencia dominates derby against Villarreal comeback

Valencia hold a slight lead over Villarreal in their intense Derby de la Comunitat rivalry, having won 24 of their 57 meetings compared to Villarreal’s 21. Although Valencia had won their last three La Liga fixtures against Villarreal, their current winning streak was snapped. It is interesting to note that Valencia have recovered from three consecutive home defeats against Villarreal in La Liga and are undefeated in their last five meetings.

Despite a solid start to the La Liga season, Valencia have suffered setbacks in their last two matches – losing only once in their first 18 matches of the year. But in their most recent league game, they showed resilience by beating Rayo Vallecano by a narrow 1-0 margin, ending a five-match losing streak in La Liga.

In contrast, Villarreal’s remarkable fifth-place result in the previous La Liga campaign guaranteed them a place in the Europa League group stage. But the 2023–24 season has been a turbulent one with the return of Marcelino and several managerial changes. Although they made the Europa League knockout stage, their poor performance in the league has left them in sixth place, 11 points behind Real Sociedad. He is now at 13th position.

Before the winter break, Villarreal defeated Celta 3–2, demonstrating their ability to surprise people despite a difficult league campaign. The past performances of both teams and the dynamics of their relationship point towards an entertaining matchup between the two La Liga contenders as they get ready for their impending matchup.

Team Update: There is doubt over Villarreal clash with Gaya injury and Almeida

Valencia has some lineup decisions to make ahead of the match with Villarreal. Key defender Jose Gaya will miss playing time with a muscle injury and Andre Almeida’s fitness is also in doubt with a back problem. Head coach Barajas’ defensive dilemma is further compounded by the absence of Thierry Correia and Mouctor Diakhaby, who were suspended after receiving a red card and a landmark yellow card respectively in the previous game against Rayo.

Gabriel Paulista and Dimitri Fauquier will likely go in to cover the defensive voids, and the starting lineup will likely be the same as it was against Rayo, with Sergi Canos likely to get another start after his excellent performance.

Alex Baena and Santi Comesana are also out of action due to Villarreal’s suspension, due to milestone bookings in their recent win over Celta Vigo. Villarreal have also been beset by a number of injuries that have kept key players out of action, including Denis Suarez, Jeremy Pino, Juan Foyth, Gerard Moreno and Matteo Gabbia.

While Villarreal are happy to have Etienne Capou back from suspension, Jose Luis Morales, who is expected to play alongside Alexander Sorloth in the final third, could strengthen the team’s midfield and attacking capabilities.

Both teams are struggling with key absences, making for an interesting match as they deal with the difficulties caused by suspensions and injuries. Both Valencia and Villarreal will have to prove their depth and resilience in the upcoming games.

Match Predictions for Valencia vs Villarreal

This season, Valencia looks to move up in the league standings, and players like Hugo Duro and Sergi Canos are ready to do so. Despite its difficulties, Villarreal is a formidable opponent. Given that both sides are without key players, a draw appears inevitable. However, Valencia’s ability could sway the odds, and we predict they will prevail in a close game at home on Tuesday.

We Say: Valencia 1-1 Villarreal

Here is the probable lineup for upcoming match between Valencia vs Villarreal

Valencia Possible Starting Lineup (4-4-2):

Goalkeeper: Mamardashvili
Defenders: Foulquier, Paulista, Mosquera, Vazquez
Midfielders: D Lopez, Guillamon, Pepelu, Canos
Forwards: Duro, Amallah

Villarreal Possible Starting Lineup (4-4-2):

Goalkeeper: Jorgensen
Defenders: Alti, Albiol, Mandi, Pedraza
Midfielders: Akhomach, Capoue, Parejo, A Moreno
Forwards: Sorloth, Morales