Mestalla will host LaLiga’s rescheduled Matchday 12 fixture on January 3, a clash postponed due to adverse weather conditions, which could see Ancelotti’s men move up to top spot in the table.
Valencia CF will face Real Madrid this Friday January 3 at 9:00 p.m. CET. This match will be Carlos Corberán’s first appearance in charge of Los Che and has the potential to see the visitors temporarily take the lead in LaLiga, overtaking Atlético, although they have a game in hand.
The match arrives in very different circumstances than those originally scheduled for November 2, when Real Madrid entered the showdown following a crushing 0-4 El Clásico defeat to FC Barcelona that tarnished the Vinicius Jr.’s hopes after his Ballon d’Or loss. The Brazilian international will have to deal with the hostile atmosphere at Mestalla, one of the most difficult stadiums for him in recent years.
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Injury and suspension updates for Valencia vs Real Madrid:
Mestalla marks the start of a busy schedule for Real Madrid, with matches in four different competitions and another title on the line: the Supercopa de España, which would add a third trophy to their showcase after the UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup. Ancelotti’s troops are due to play up to nine matches in January alone, requiring his entire squad to be ready.
Currently, they are missing long-term absentees Carvajal and Militao, who are not expected to return until the end of the season. Alaba, having been away from the field for more than a year, should make his return in mid-January, as suggested by the Italian coach, who did not specify whether Real Madrid will seek to strengthen its squad during the winter transfer window. The Austrian took part in several training sessions with his teammates and will be comparable to a new signing for the second half of the season.
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On the other hand, Carlos Corberán begins his new era as Valencia coach after the club paid a compensation of two million euros to terminate his contract with West Bromwich Albion. He takes charge of a team which was in penultimate place under Rubén Baraja, four points from maintenance, currently occupied by Getafe.
Valencia’s new coach has only had five days to prepare for the match and will do so without several key players: Mamardashvili, Gayá, Rafa Mir, Thierry and Dikahby are injured, while Pepelu is suspended, forcing him to fill in. squad with youth players. It will be a difficult start for the coach from Cheste, who will have to rethink his midfield strategy.
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One of the changes against a potentially full Real Madrid could include Andre Almeida. Barrenechea and Javi Guerra could move into the midfield to take care of Valencia’s time management. Hugo Duro is the favorite to lead the attack, while the defense will undergo notable changes. This week, scenarios were practiced with Yarek as a left back.
Predicted lineups for Valencia vs Real Madrid:
Valencia CF starting XI: Dimitrievsky ; Foulquier, Mosquera, Tarrega, Jesus Vazquez ; Diego Lopez, Barrenechea, Javi Guerra, Rioja ; Almeida ; Hugo Hard.
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Real Madrid starting XI: Courtesy ; Lucas Vazquez, Chouamen, Rüdiger, Mendy ; Camavinga, Valverde, Bellingham; Rodrigo, Mbappe, Vinicius.
Match Schedule and Where to Watch Valencia vs Real Madrid:
The Valencia vs Real Madrid match will take place this Friday, January 3 at 9:00 p.m. CET. In Spain, the match will be broadcast live on Movistar Plus+ (M7), M+ LaLiga TV (M54-O110), M+ LaLiga TV UHD (M440 O111), M+ LaLiga TV 2 (M57 O112) and LaLiga TV Bar, among others other Movistar Plus channels, as well as on the mobile applications of television operators. You can follow all live updates regarding the match on EL PERIÓDICO DE ESPAÑA.
