Prediction: Real Madrid vs Valencia

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Verdict: Real Madrid win

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: Unibet

Looking to make a much-needed return to winning ways on Thursday night, Real Madrid will welcome Valencia to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid

Starting with the hosts, last seen over the weekend putting in a toothless display on home soil, Real Madrid appear to be facing an uphill struggle in 2023. Eventually having to settle for a 0-0 stalemate against Real Sociedad, Carlo Ancelotti’s men are chasing a five-point deficit to Barcelona and know that they need to find an immediate response here. However, booking their spot in the semi-final of this year’s Copa del Rey after claiming an action-packed 3-1 victory against bitter rivals Atletico Madrid, the one-time AC Milan boss will be desperate for a repeat display on Thursday night. Smelling a real chance in midweek, it should be noted that Los Blancos have continued on a remarkable domestic unbeaten run in front of their own supporters. Despite only grabbing a single point against Sociedad last weekend, Ancelotti’s side have not lost any of their last 12 La Liga matchups in the Spanish capital.

Team News

Suffering a long-term hamstring injury against Atletico Madrid, French defender Ferland Mendy is not expected to feature again until April. Lucas Vazquez will also once again miss out on Thursday night due to an ankle issue.

However, in what looks set to be a real boost for Real Madrid here, Ancelotti is hopeful that David Alaba and Aurelien Tchouameni will be able to feature. Likewise, Spanish defender Dani Carvajal could play some part in midweek.

Valencia

As for the visitors, eventually slumping to a deserved 1-0 loss away at Real Valladolid last weekend, that performance was enough to cost Gennaro Gattuso his job in the Mestalla dugout. Parting ways with the former AC Milan boss and showing a string of issues since returning from the World Cup break, Thursday’s guests will be more than aware that they face another stern test in the Spanish capital. Crashing out of the Copa del Rey on January 26th following a 3-1 drumming at the hands of Athletic Bilbao, Valencia have managed to record just a single victory from any of their last six domestic outings. Freefalling out the top-half of the La Liga table and with some in their camp now starting to look over their shoulder, the Whites have also claimed just one-point from their previous four top-flight appearances. Likewise, with just a sole La Liga win to their name since October 7th, Valencia should be bracing themselves for a huge challenge here.

Team News

Valencia have confirmed that they will once again be without the duo of Nico Gonzalez and Jaume Domenech on Thursday night. Likewise, it appears that Thierry Correia is still a major doubt after missing the last four matchups with a knock.

While ex-Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani might be in the midst of a three-match run without a goal, the 35-year-old will lead Valencia’s attack in the Spanish capital.

Key Factors to Consider

When the two sides last met on La Liga duties 12 months ago, Real Madrid picked up a 4-1 romp at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid are unbeaten in each of their last 12 straight La Liga matchups on home soil.
Valencia have recorded just a single La Liga victory from their last 10 attempts.
Likewise, the Bats have picked up just a sole win from their previous six appearances across all formats.
Los Blancos have won each of their last four consecutive meetings against Thursday’s guests.

Conclusion

While Real Madrid might have been disappointed after settling for a single point against Real Sociedad last weekend, Los Blancos should be smelling a golden chance here. Not suffering a single La Liga defeat on home soil so far this season, Thursday’s hosts will be looking to cash in on a Valencia squad who are in the midst of a domestic nightmare. Parting ways with Gattuso earlier in the week after claiming just one win from their last 10 top-flight outings, the Bats will know that they face a real challenge in the capital. Likewise, with Madrid claiming a thumping 4-1 victory the last time they welcomed Valencia to the Santiago Bernabeu, we’re backing a similar home win here.