Valencia and Villarreal finished in the top half of the La Liga table last season, but both are languishing in the bottom half after nine rounds of the current campaign, making this 64th Valencian Country Derby crucial for both teams.
Match News and Current Form
It’s been a terrible start to the season for Valencia, whose six points after nine rounds are the joint-fewest the club have posted at this stage since 1997/98. Their 40-season stay in La Liga looks to be coming under growing threat, but optimistic Valencia supporters will be keen to point out that they’ve shown shoots of recovery in recent weeks by losing just one of their last four league outings (W1, D2). Relegation would be a catastrophic outcome in their final season at the Mestalla, but even their famous ground hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for them at present as they’re winless in five games there this term (D2, L3).
After last season’s third-place finish, Villarreal have struggled to cope with the increased demands that come with European football, slumping to their joint-second worst La Liga start since returning to the top flight in 2013/14. There was no relief in midweek UEFA Champions League action either as they fell to a 4-3 defeat away to Liverpool, stretching their rotten record on the road this season (W1, D2, L4). This game does seemingly offer them a lifeline though, as eight of their nine La Liga points this term (W2, D2) were earned against sides who join Valencia in sitting below Villarreal pre-round, but a mere one win from their last nine Saturday-held league games (D2, L6) reinforces the need for caution.
Head-to-Head History
Villarreal have enjoyed the better of recent meetings between these sides (W3, D2), but their win in last season’s corresponding fixture is their only victory in their last nine away H2Hs (D2, L6).
Hot Stats and Streaks
Valencia failed to score in four of their last five home matches.
Valencia received 2+ yellow cards in their last five league fixtures.
Only three La Liga sides accumulated more shots on target than Villarreal’s 57 pre-round.
Five of Villarreal’s last six away league games produced over 9.5 corners.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Only two players have attempted more shots without scoring in La Liga than Valencia’s Javi Guerra pre-round (17), but five of his last six scoring appearances for the club did come at home. Santi Comesaña has committed a team-high 14 fouls for Villarreal this season in La Liga, though he’s only picked up one yellow card as a result.
Valencia are hoping to see Umar Sadiq return soon, while Tajon Buchanan returned from a three-game absence for Villarreal against Liverpool.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
There appears to be no sign of Valencia’s struggle abating, so backing a Villarreal victory seems a good route to value.
Author: Chris Wilson