Struggling Valencia, led by interim manager Nico Estevez, face a tough task on Sunday evening as they play host to mighty Real Madrid in their final match of the year.

Following a long run of under-par performances and results, club chiefs made a decision to sack coach Miroslav Djukic, with Nico Estevez taking over the reigns on interim basis.

Current San Lorenzo boss Juan Antonio Pizzi is widely tipped to take over the reigns at Mestalla, but it is Nico Estevez who will be in the dugout for the Real Madrid clash.

After the 3-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid at Vicente Calderon, Valencia somehow managed to qualify for the next round of Copa del Rey, having recorded a narrow win over Gimnastic Tarragona.

However, with Real Madrid next, it is hardly surprising the hosts are no less than 5.75 (19/4) with Betfair to continue the winning run.

The hosts will have Jonas back from suspension, while goalkeeper Vicente Guaita has returned into action. Ricardo Costa remains sidelined.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Alves – Pereira, Mathieu, Ruiz, Guardado – Banega, Parejo – Feghouli, Canales, Bernat – Jonas.

While Real Madrid eased off to a place in the Champions League knockout stages, everybody can see their La Liga campaign is not going according to plan.

Los Blancos now trail both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid by five points, which is hardly a perfect scenario midway through the season.

And while nobody was concerned by the dismal showing from second-string side against Olimpic de Xativa, the 2-2 La Liga draw at Osasuna created all sorts of problems for Carlo Ancelotti.

With their title rivals slowly breaking away, Real Madrid face a must-win game at Mestalla, but they still have some reason for optimism.

Having won last four away matches against Valencia, los Blancos are 1.62 (5/8) with Paddy Power to extend the impressive run.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos have resumed full training, but Pepe misses out through suspension having picked up his fifth yellow card.

Gareth Bale faces a fitness test, whereas Fabio Coentrao and Raphael Varane has been ruled out through injury.

Probable starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Lopez – Arbeloa, Ramos, Nacho, Marcelo – Modric, Alonso – Bale, Isco, Ronaldo – Benzema.