Valencia vs Atletico Madrid predictions and match preview for Saturday’s LaLiga match. Read on for the head-to-head, team news and predicted lineups as the visitors aim to extend their impressive start to the campaign.
- DATE: Saturday 28th November 2020
- KICK-OFF: 16:15 (local time)
- VENUE: Mestalla
- COMPETITION: LaLiga
Valencia vs Atletico Madrid Preview
The standout fixture this weekend in LaLiga is at Mestalla where Valencia are hoping to complete a home double over the Madrid clubs against high-flying Atleti. The visitors made clear their capabilities to compete for the title this season last weekend with a polished display and victory over Barcelona and another win in a tough fixture here would be a further boost.
Even in the seasons where they’ve struggled, Valencia have often found an extra gear when the big clubs come to town and the early signs are that we may see a repeat this term. Los Che are still very much a work in progress under Javi Gracia but there have been some more positive signs in recent weeks.
Their shock 4-1 win over champions Real Madrid was certainly a much needed boost to morale. However Gracia may if anything have taken even more encouragement from the fighting spirit Valencia showed to come from 2-0 down to draw at Alaves last weekend. It’s the kind of comeback, you sense we probably wouldn’t have seen from Valencia last season or even earlier on this and it’s a sign that they are starting to create more of a sense of team unity again, moving on from what was a very difficult summer.
As for Atletico Madrid, they have put themselves in a strong position with a fine start of 6 wins from their opening 8 league games. With 18 goals scored and only 2 conceded, they look stronger at both ends of the pitch than they did 12 months ago and have to be seen as genuine title candidates now.
There are though, still times when their flaws are exposed. A goalless home draw against Lokomotiv Moscow in the Champions League in midweek was a genuine setback and it means Atleti are now not really in a position to rotate in their final two group games which could have a detrimental effect on their league form during a period when they have some tough away games in LaLiga.
Check out our match previews for every game in LaLiga this weekend here!
Head to Head
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 2 Atleti Wins, 4 Draws.
- Both meetings last term ended level including a 2-2 draw at Mestalla, a significant turning point in Atleti’s evolution as a team with Marcos Llorente demonstrating his qualities in a more attacking midfield role for the first time.
- Each of the last 3 meetings in Valencia have finished in draws.
- Atletico are unbeaten in 11 games against Valencia overall since a 3-1 defeat at Mestalla in October 2014.
Team News
Jose Gaya is missing with a hamstring injury for Valencia but Maxi Gomez is fit again and should lead the line.
Lucas Torreira and Luis Suarez remain doubts following positive COVID tests. Yannick Carrasco and Marcos Llorente are likely to continue in the wide areas.
Predicted Valencia Starting Lineup:
Domenech – Lato, Guillamon, Gabriel, Wass – Guedes, Racic, Soler, Musah – Kang-In – Gomez (4-4-1-1)
Predicted Atleti Starting Lineup:
Oblak – Hermoso, Gimenez, Savic, Trippier – Carrasco, Saul, Koke, Llorente – Felix, Correa (4-4-2)
Valencia vs Atletico Madrid Predictions
Score Prediction: Valencia 1-2 Atletico Madrid
Valencia have shown they do have a goal in them and they could pose some problems for Atleti on the break here, having scored more times than both Real Madrid and Barcelona so far this season. Overall though, Atleti are on a roll in LaLiga and they are finding different ways to win, which suggests they may be too strong for Valencia over 90 minutes here.
LaLiga Betting Tips (18+)
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