It has been an exciting season in La Liga to this point, but for these two sides, it has been a season to forget. They are both falling behind in their ambition to finish in a top four-space. But, which of these two sides should get the three points this weekend?
Match Preview
Valencia are looking like distinct outsiders to finish in the top four this season, despite only being two points behind fourth-placed Atletico. Their performances throughout the season have flattered to deceive and have lost twice in their last four league matches.
The most recent defeat came last time out against Getafe, who managed to defeat Valencia despite the value of their squad being half of the amount Valencia paid for Maxi Gomez in the summer. Getafe beat their illustrious opponents comfortably and didn’t allow Valencia to have a single shot on target. Jorge Molina Vidal scored twice for Getafe, while Jaime Mata scored the third with two minutes remaining. Valencia will need to play much better if they are to have any chance this weekend.
Atletico have been underwhelming throughout the season to this point, and that was once again the case against Granada last time out. Angel Correa scored the only goal of the game after six minutes, but Atletico still look a shadow of the teams that they have produced over recent years.
This season Diego Simeone’s side have only scored 23 league goals, which is the joint-lowest in the top half of La Liga. Their lack of cutting edge in the final third has been missing since the departure of Antoine Griezmann, and that lack of attacking threat could see them end this weekend outside of the top four.
Head to Head
Atletico holds a clear advantage over Valencia in their previous meetings, as they have won on 15 occasions. Valencia have only won nine times, while there have been 13 draws. Atletico average 1.4 goals per game, while Valencia average 1.1 goals. It looks like it will be a cagey fixture according to the head to head record.
Valencia Team News
The home side will be without a host of first-team players for the fixture, with Gaya, Jasper Cillessen, Kevin Gameiro and Ezequiel Garay all missing. Alessandra Florenzi will also serve his one-match suspension.
Atletico Team News
Kieran Trippier, Hector Herrera and Jose Gimenez will all be missing. Meanwhile, Atletico’s attacking options will be depleted with Alvaro Morata, Joao Felix and Diego Costa all doubtful.
Valencia vs Atletico Prediction
These two sides have been a gambler’s nightmare all season as they have struggled for any kind of consistency. It is unlikely that either side are going to score more than once, and it could easily end up as a draw.
Tip: Draw.
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