Verdict: Draw
Best Odds: 11/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
Desperate to find a route out of the drop zone on Saturday night, Valencia will welcome Elche to the Mestalla.
Valencia
Starting with the hosts, while Valencia might have enjoyed an immediate boost following Carlos Corberan’s arrival at the Mestalla 13 months ago, Los Ches suddenly find themselves at the heart of a public struggle. Coming under a huge amount of scrutiny since opening up the 2025/26 campaign, the former West Brom boss has a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders. Last seen getting the New Year underway with a woeful performance away at Celta Vigo as they slumped t o a 4-1 drumming, Valencia open Saturday’s showdown sat two points adrift of La Liga safety. With an almighty battle on their hands in the race to avoid what would be an infamous top-flight relegation, the Bats will be more than aware that they face a must-win battle when they return to the Mestalla on Saturday night.
Valencia Team News
Shown what was a costly second-half booking away at Celta Vigo last weekend, one-time Real Madrid youngster Hugo Duro will serve a one-match suspension here. Likewise, dealing with a recent groin issue, Los Ches are once again sweating over the fitness of North Macedonian international Stole Dimitrievski.
Completing a free switch from Villarreal over the summer, former Bournemouth ace Arnaut Danjuma could make a first La Liga start since December 7th. Despite registering just a single top-flight strike so far this season, Lucas Beltran should keep his spot leading the line.
Elche
As for the visitors, while Elche might have only made their La Liga return this season, Eder Sarabia’s camp have rightfully received plenty of plaudits from across Spain’s elite. However, despite signing off 2025 with a sensational 4-0 romp at home against Rayo Vallecano, Los Los Franjiverdes came immediately crashing back down to earth last time out. Getting the New Year underway with a disappointing 3-1 loss at home against Villarreal, Saturday’s guests are seeking some recent stability. Despite shockingly opening this weekend’s fixtures scrapping it out in the top-half of the La Liga table, Elche have registered just a pair of wins from any of their previous 10 consecutive La Liga appearances – a rut that stems all the way back to September 28th.
Elche Team News
Once again missing out against Villarreal last weekend, Elche are still sweating over the fitness of former AC Milan striker Andre Silva on Saturday night. However, making a permanent summer switch from MLS giants Inter Miami, Federico Redondo Solari will return to Sarabia’s squad here.
Making a cameo appearance off the bench last week after returning from a muscle issue, one-time West Ham starlet Grady Diangana should get some more minutes under his belt. Bagging six La Liga strikes so far this season, former Valencia striker Rafa Mir will lead the line.
Key Factors to Consider
- When Valencia and Elche last met back in April 2023, Los Ches collected a 2-0 victory at the Estadio Martinez Valero.
- Opening Saturday’s showdown sat in the drop zone, Valencia have remarkably registered just one win from any of their previous 13 consecutive La Liga appearances.
- Elche have registered just a pair of wins from any of their previous 10 consecutive La Liga appearances – a rut that stems all the way back to September 28th.
- Saturday’s guests have recorded just three points from any of their eight La Liga away fixtures so far this season.
- All of Valencia’s last five straight showdowns at the Mestalla have finished with under 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Opening Saturday’s showdown sat two points adrift of La Liga safety, Valencia have a tremendous amount of pressure on their shoulders here. However, getting the New Year underway with a woeful 4-1 drumming away at Celta Vigo last weekend, Los Ches have remarkably registered just a single win from any of their previous 14 consecutive La Liga appearances and another defeat on Saturday night could be the final nail in Corberan’s coffin.
Verdict: Draw
Best Odds: 11/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
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