Valencia vs Real Madrid: Confirmed Lineups, Injuries and Prediction
Valencia vs Real Madrid: Friday 3rd January 2025, 20:00 GMT
Valencia, languishing in the relegation zone, host second-placed Real Madrid in this La Liga clash, with the home side desperate for points to climb out of the bottom three, while their visitors aim to keep pace with league leaders Atletico Madrid.
Valencia vs Real Madrid Confirmed Lineups
Valencia (4-4-2):
Dimitrievski; Foulquier, Mosquera, Tárrega, Gasiorowski; Rioja, Barrenechea, Guerra, López; Almeida, Duro
Real Madrid (4-4-2):
Courtois; L.Vázquez, Rüdiger, Tchouaméni, Mendy; Rodrygo, Valverde, Ceballos, Bellingham; Mbappé, V. Júnior
Valencia vs Real Madrid Team News
Valencia are without a number of key players for this match with first choice keeper G. Mamardashvili, T. Correia, J. Gayà, R. Mir and F. Pérez all missing through injury. M. Diakhaby was marked as doubtful before the game, and misses out. Pepelu is suspended following his yellow card against Alaves.
Real Madrid also have a number of absentees with D. Alaba, D. Carvajal and É. Militão all ruled out through injury. E. Camavinga is named as a substitute, with F. Mendy starting at left-back. Vinícius Júnior returns to the starting lineup having served a ban.
Key Players: André Almeida vs Jude Bellingham
A battle of two players who can play in a variety of attacking positions will be key, with André Almeida tasked with providing the creative spark for Valencia. Jude Bellingham will be looking to continue his excellent form for Real Madrid, as he looks to add to his goal tally and provide another match-winning performance.
Valencia vs Real Madrid Prediction
Carlos Corberan takes charge of his first game as Valencia boss having been appointed on Christmas Eve. He faces a tough start as Los Che look to close the gap to safety. Real Madrid are one point behind rivals Atletico Madrid at the top of the table and will be looking to close the gap further with a victory here. While the managerial change may provide a boost for the home side, Real Madrid's superior quality should see them take all three points on Friday.
