Thursday, March 28, 2024

Prediction: Valencia vs Real Madrid

Tom Dunstan in Free Soccer Predictions 7 Jan 2020

1,693 Views

Verdict: Both teams to score – NO

Best Odds: 5/4

Bookmaker: Bet365

In the first matchup of the new Spanish Super Cup format, Real Madrid will face off against Valencia at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Wednesday night.

Valencia

Starting with the Bats, making a return from the festive break with a deserved 1-0 victory over Eibar at the Estadio de Mestalla on Saturday, the mood in Albert Celades’ camp should be on the rise. Arguably enjoying a season-best run at the end of 2019, the Whites and Blacks are enjoying a seven-match unbeaten run across all formats and were left hugely disappointed not to have snatched three points off of Wednesday’s opponents last month. Despite creating a string of chances and leading until the 95th minute, Valencia could only muster a point against the former European champions. However, with their own Champions League knockout tie against Italian outfit Atalanta on the horizon, many of the Bats’ best performances this season have come on the road. Including snatching points off of Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano, Los Ches have also collected victories over the likes of Ajax and Premier League outfit Chelsea. Unbeaten in back-to-back matchups against Los Blancos, there is no doubt that Celades’ men will make the trip to Jeddah filled with confidence.

Team News

Valencia are set to be without forwards Kangin Lee and Goncalo Guedes, while full-back Cristiano Piccini remains sidelined.

Real Madrid

As for Zinedine Zidane men, while Real Madrid may have had to settle for three draws on the bounce to end 2019, Los Blanos really made a statement when returning from the festive break over the weekend. Picking up what was a very eye-catching 3-0 win away at top-four hopefuls and high-flyers Getafe on Saturday, fans around the Spanish capital find only their goal difference now keeping behind Barcelona and top spot. While leading marksman Karim Benzema might be continuing to lead the line with 12 La Liga strikes already in the bag, there is no doubt that Madrid’s French icon will be most impressed by his side’s new-found resolve at the back. Along with Raphaël Varane bagging a brace away at Getafe over the weekend, Los Blancos have recorded three clean sheets on the bounce, a run that also saw them come away from the Nou Camp unscathed last month. With a mouthwatering European showdown against Manchester City on the horizon, Madrid are enjoying a 14-match unbeaten run that stems back to the 19th of October.

Team News

Real Madrid are without Eden Hazard with the Belgian missing the trip to Saudi Arabia because of an ankle injury.

Marco Asensio is a long-term absentee for Madrid but otherwise, Zidane has a fit squad to chose from.

Key Factors to Consider

  • When the two sides faced off last month, Madrid grabbed a 95-minute equalizer to snatch a 1-1 draw at the Estadio de Mestalla.
  • Real Madrid are enjoying a 14-match unbeaten run across all competitions.
  • Los Blancos have recorded three clean sheets on the bounce and they have also picked up a clean sheet in nine of their last 14 matches across all formats.
  • Valencia are unbeaten in their last seven matches, winning four of those contests.
  • 13 of the last 14 matches between Valencia nad Real Madrid have seen both teams find the net.

Conclusion

While both sides are expected to name full-strength squads on Wednesday, we are expecting what could be a cagey encounter in Jeddah. With Real Madrid recording three clean sheets on the spin, including a 0-0 draw away at the Nou Camp last month, both Valencia and Los Blancos have a growing reputation for their performances at the back. Backing both teams not to find the net at 5/4 seems like the smartest bet for this Super Cup showdown in midweek.

Verdict: Both teams to score – NO

Best Odds: 5/4

Bookmaker: Bet365

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tom Dunstan


Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

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