Valencia-Real Valladolid is a match of the 31st day of La Liga and is played Thursday at 7:30pm: lineups, predictions, TV and streaming.
The defeats of Getafe and Cadiz in this midweek round are an important assist for Valencia, which in the salvation clash with Real Valladolid has the opportunity to leave, albeit momentarily, the relegation zone. Ruben Baraja’s team returned to smiles and hope thanks to their success (0-2) last Sunday against bottom-of-the-table Elche, their third win in 2023, which had been missing for over a month.
Cavani and his teammates have reached 30 points and, should they get the better of the biancoviola, they would climb as many as two positions, moving out of the red zone. The Mestalla’s boost will obviously be needed to help the Bats take another step toward the goal, which is still far from a foregone conclusion. Valencia has not won at home since last March, and from January onward in front of its own public it has collected only eight points. It has also never managed to record two wins in a row this year, not even during the Gattuso management. The one with the Pucelanos, in short, looks very much like another “final” to be won at all costs to avoid catastrophe. Baraja should confirm an ultra-defensive module such as the 5-3-2 that paid off in the Elche match. From 10th place down only Mallorca has conceded fewer goals than Valencia, a figure that gives hope.
The situation in which Real Valladolid finds itself is calmer and the credit for that goes to new coach Paulo Pezzolano, who took over from the exonerated Pacheta at the beginning of the month. After the pyrotechnic 3-3 draw with Mallorca, two victories came against Villarreal and Girona, pure oxygen for a team that early February and mid-April had barely won a game and was in danger of being sucked in again. Real Valladolid have 35 points and by defeating the Mestalla would take the step, perhaps decisive, toward salvation.
The prediction
It is always last resort for Valencia, which must do everything possible to take advantage of the home factor and give continuity to the success with Elche. Baraja’s team, which appeared regenerated by the switch to a three-man defense, will likely play another very shrewd match, trying to sting at the first useful opportunity. Valladolid will do the same, which might even be satisfied with a point. You can stay either way with Valencia, which could come out on top in a contest of less than three goals overall.
The probable lineups of Valencia-Real Valladolid
- VALENCIA (5-3-2): Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Paulista, Diakhaby, Özkacar, Gayà; Nico, Almeida, Musah; Lino, Cavani.
- REAL VALLADOLID (4-4-2): Masip; Fresneda, El Yamiq, Joaquín, Escudero; Hongla, Pérez, Monchu, Amallah; Larin, Plata.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-0
