Prediction: Real Madrid vs Valencia

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals in the second-half

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Unibet

Hoping to widen their buffer at the top of the La Liga table this weekend, Real Madrid will welcome Valencia to the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday night.

Real Madrid

Starting with the hosts, after opening the New Year with what was a stunning 1-0 loss away at Getafe, there is no doubt that Real Madrid would have simply been glad to make an immediate return to winning ways in midweek. Extending on their Copa del Rey adventure with a 3-1 victory away at Alcoyano, Los Blancos will be desperate to lay down a marker here. Opening up this weekend’s fixtures still holding a five-point buffer at the top of the table, Head Coach Carlo Ancelotti has his sights firmly set on recapturing their domestic crown this season. With last weekend’s shock defeat against Getafe their first loss from any of their last 17 matchups across all formats, the former Everton boss should at least be boosted by his side’s success on home soil. Booking their spot in the knockout stage of this year’s Champions League, the Whites are unbeaten at the Bernabéu on domestic duties so far this season.

Team News

Real Madrid have confirmed that both Dani Carvajal and Mariano Diaz will miss out this weekend as they deal with injury issues.

Serbian international Luka Jovic remains a doubt on Saturday night after returning a positive COVID-19 test.

Valencia

As for the visitors, while Valencia might have also signed off 2021 with a 2-1 loss against Espanyol on home soil, the Bats have still continued to impress many across Spain this season. Extending on their Copa del Rey adventure with a 2-1 victory away at Cartagena in midweek, José Bordalás’ men have won six of their last seven matchups across all formats. Despite dealing with a tough 18 months at the Mestalla, Los murciélagos have their sights set on making a charge for the European spots this year. With just a single defeat to their name since way back on October 27th, Valencia should also be boosted by their continued success on the road. Including an action-packed 4-2 win against Levante last month, Saturday’s guests have won each of their last five away fixtures on the spin. While Bordalás’ side might hold a woeful record against the Spanish giants in the capital, some in their camp might be smelling the chance to cause an upset here.

Team News

Valencia will be without the trio of Gabriel Paulista, Dimitri Foulquier and Toni Lato who are still dealing with injury issues.

Likewise, 22-year-old Hugo Duro will miss out in the capital as he serves a suspension.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides faced off back in September, Real Madrid picked up a 2-1 victory at the Mestalla.
• Los Blancos have not lost a home meeting against Valencia since way back in 2005.
• Real Madrid are unbeaten on domestic duties at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu throughout the 2021/22 campaign.
• Valencia have won each of their last five away fixtures across all formats.
• Each of the last 22 straight meetings between Saturday’s opponents have finished with over 1.5 goals.

Conclusion

With both sides making an immediate return to winning ways on Copa del Rey duties earlier in the week, we could have a lively affair on our hands in the capital. Looking to fully put last weekend’s shock 1-0 loss against Getafe behind them, Los Blancos have continued to shine on home soil this season. However, while Saturday’s hosts might be leading the chase to reclaim their domestic crown this year, Ancelotti will know that his side should face a stern test here. With their sights firmly set on securing a European return this season, Valencia have shocked many across Spain. Gaining a reputation for their success on the road and winning each of their last five away fixtures, chances could come at both ends. With each of the last 22 meetings finishing with over 1.5 goals, we’re backing a similar outcome.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals in the second-half

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Unibet