The two sides from the community of Valencia are enjoying contrasting fortunes this season as Villarreal are vying for Champions League positions, whereas los Che are fighting for their lives.

But, regardless of the objectives currently on their minds, Saturday’s game should prove equally important for both sides.

Midway through the season, Villarreal sit three points behind top 4 places, which is close to where they hoped they would be.

However, the recent poor run of results is threatening to ruin their season as the Yellow Submarine have now failed to win any of their last five fixtures in all competitions.

That saw the El Madrigal outfit eliminated from the Copa del Rey, while they also slipped to sixth in the La Liga standings, with Atletico and Real Sociedad climbing above them.

Following three successive stalemates against Barcelona, Real Sociedad and Deportivo La Coruna, Villarreal have a good opportunity to return to winning ways and they can be backed at 1.95 (19/20) to see off local rivals Valencia.

Head coach Fran Escriba will have important players Nicola Sansone and Jaume Costa back to the side from suspension, while Samu Castillejo is expected to recover from an ankle problem.

Roberto Soriano misses out through gastroenteritis, whereas Mateo Musacchio, Roberto Soldado and Denis Cheryshev are long-term casualties.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Asenjo – Mario, Alvaro Gonzalez, Ruiz, Jaume Costa – dos Santos, Trigueros, Bruno, Samu Castillejo – Pato, Sansone.

This has been a nightmare season for Valencia, who are in danger of getting relegated for the first time since the 1980’s.

The expensively assembled squad have largely struggled in the opening exchanges and even new coach Cesare Prandelli decided to leave the sinking ship.

This could prove a blessing in disguise as usual suspect Voro has again brought calm to Mestalla, masterminding a 2-1 triumph over Espanyol to help the team create a four-point advantage over the bottom three.

Chances are the win will have done wonders for the players’ confidence after such a difficult period and we do expect los Che to produce a good performance in the Derby de la Comunitat.

January recruit Simone Zaza is in contention to start against Villarreal, but Nani and Matt Ryan look set to miss out once again.

Guilhereme Siqueira is back in contention, whereas the likes of Rodrigo Moreno and Toni Lato are not yet ready to return into action.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Alves – Montoya, Garay, Mangala, Gaya – Soler, Perez, Parejo – Munir, Zaza, Santi Mina.