Deportivo La Coruna vs Valencia

October 28, 2016
By: Milos Markovic

Out of form Deportivo La Coruna are set to welcome Valencia on Monday in efforts to overcome their latest struggles which saw them win only two of nine matches this season. Valencia on the other hand are coming off from the emotionally draining defeat to Barcelona and will be keen to make a response at Riazor.

Deportivo on the brink

Having replaced Victor Sanchez at the helm during summer, Gaizka Garitano is struggling to gain footing with Deportivo La Coruna in the new season. Branquiazuis have won only two of their nine La Liga matches thus far in the 2016-17 season and are currently sitting one place above the relegation zone, level on terms with Gijon who are first below the red line. Gijon are one of the two teams Deportivo managed to defeat this season alongside Eibar, while the rest of their campaign has been largely disappointing. La Coruna have lost four of their last five La Liga games, conceding eight goals in their most recent defeats to Barcelona and in the Galican derby against Celta Vigo which will have been a huge blow to the team’s morale. Costa Rica midfielder Celso Borges has perhaps been the only bright spark in Gaizka Garitano’s team so far, leading the goal chart in the team with two goals to his name. His influence has been severely limited however as Deportivo La Coruna continue to underperform in the league.

Deportivo La Coruna striker Joselu is experiencing knee problems and will be out of contention for the Monday’s match at Riazor. In addition, Valle is suffering from an ankle injury that will keep him on the sidelines for Valencia clash.

Can Prandelli wake up the sleeping giant?

La Liga heavyweights Valencia have been going through a difficult period which saw them go through the process of trial and error with a number of managers. The president of the club Layhoon Chan is hopeful former Italy boss Cesare Prandelli will be a solution to Los Che’s problems as the Italian manager was met with high expectations in his new club. Having collected only one point more than their Monday rivals, Los Che will be highly motivated to grab a win that would also be a great way for the team to recover from an emotional affair against Barcelona. Valencia succumbed to a 3-2 defeat which ended in controversy with Valencia fans throwing a bottle from the stands towards the Barcelona players. Neymar allegedly provoked the supporters with his celebration of the math-winning goal at Mestalla on Sunday. Valencia received a fine and a warning for the incident and are keen to put it all behind them as they travel to Riazor on Monday looking to answer the critics with a quality performance. Prandelli is likely to continue with the attack-oriented approach hoping that aggressive style will help Valencia record a much-needed win.

Guilherme Siqueira is yet to make his appearance for Valencia this season as he continues his road to recovery. Jose Gaya has picked up a hamstring strain against Barcelona and will be out for about two weeks.

Verdict

Deportivo La Coruna are experiencing all sorts of problems lately and will be forced to work hard in order to get anything out of their match-up with Valencia. Cesare Prandelli has made some positive moves since his arrival and will be looking to lead his team to third straight win on the road following wins over Leganes and Gijon respectively.

Top pick: Valencia   2.60 (8/5) @WilliamHill

Alternative pick 1: Both teams to score – No   2.10 (11/10) @BetVictor

Alternative pick 2: Valencia to win to Nil   4.33 (10/4) @Bet365

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