La Liga high flyers Valencia are gearing up for the clash with league leaders Real Madrid, with the fans at Mestalla likely to witness an enthralling encounter between two attack-minded sides. Being just four points behind their next opponents, los Che can make a real statement by winning this game, which would see them keep their title hopes very much alive.

Can Valencia mount a serious title challenge?

The appointment of the then virtually unknown coach Unai Emery in the summer of 2008 raised serious doubts among Spanish football pundits, but that would soon prove to be one of the best decisions in club’s recent history. The talented coach managed to keep Valencia just behind Barcelona and Real despite staying without such stars like David Villa, David Silva and Juan Manuel Mata, and he continues to do an excellent job at Mestalla. After experiencing some problems at the end of September and beginning of October, los Che really raised their form of late, with four straight wins in all competitions seeing them remain just four points adrift of leaders Real and get back in contention for a place in the Champions League knockout rounds. Valencia definitely have something to hope for before the clash with Real, having already outplayed mighty Barcelona at Mestalla, but that is not only reason why I believe los Che can get something from this game. In addition to being thoroughly impressive at their home ground, Valencia will have just a couple of players who were in action for their national teams in midweek, as opposed to almost entire Real Madrid team, and that can give the hosts an extra edge in this clash.

Ever Banega, Sergio Canales, Ricardo Costa and Hedwiges Maduro remain sidelined, while Jonas is pushing for a starting place after scoring a brace for Brazil in midweek.

Can anyone stop Real Madrid?

Impressive showings against bitter rivals Barcelona failed to bring Real Madrid domestic and European supremacy last season, but los Blancos appear to be doing much better this term. Jose Mourinho’s side are now much more consistent, more dangerous and are showing improvement in every area of the pitch, so no wonder they have won ten straight games in all competitions, with eight of those achieved by at least a three-goal margin. Los Merengues are now three and four points clear of Barcelona and Valencia respectively, and they are certainly hoping to increase that advantage after the game at Mestalla. As I have already mentioned, the majority of Real Madrid players was in action in midweek, which is likely to create some problems for Jose Mourinho, but the visitors should still have it in them to produce a quality performance in Valencia. Real Madrid have been scoring almost four goals per game this season, but their back line will be put to a serious test against los Che forwards.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been deemed fit to play after suffering a muscle overload, while Alvaro Arbeloa has also recovered and will be in contention. That means that Angel Di Maria is the only unavailable player at the moment.

Verdict

Valencia are unbeaten at Mestalla this season and after holding Barcelona to 2:2 draw at home, I believe they can do something similar against Real Madrid as well. The visitors have too many players who are tired after the midweek exploits and that should give Valencia the upper hand in this tie.

Our prediction: Valencia with +1 Asian handicap

Odds: 1.93 (93/100)

Bookmaker: Stan James