Carlos Corberán will field his first starting XI as Valencia coach against a Real Madrid side that arrives with a full attacking squad.
Valencia is not approaching this clash against Real Madrid in the best conditions. Indeed, the club is in the relegation zone, hit by injuries and instability caused by poor management under Metiton, and they also have a new manager at the helm. Perhaps this is one of the few positive aspects to cling to, according to the adage “new coach, victory assured”. Carlos Corberán will aim to turn that saying into points against a Real Madrid who, although not at their best, still come to the Mestalla with aggression, armed with all their attacking assets.
Mbappé, Vinícius and Rodrygo are ready to make up the attacking trio, completed by Jude Bellingham, who arrives at one of his best moments since arriving at Real Madrid. On the other hand, the defense faces more problems, with the absences of Carvajal, Militao and Alaba likely to push Ancelotti to line up Lucas Vázquez and Mendy as full-backs, with Rudiger and Tchouameni in central defense. It is also possible that Camavinga, who is expected to start, will be repositioned at left back, allowing Ceballos to break into the starting XI after several good performances. Aside from that, Valverde is a assured starter, with the expectation of a full team from the midfield line forward. And, of course, Courtois will be in the cages.
Read more:
Mbappé, Real Madrid's highest paid player; Lunin out of top 10
For Valencia, there are more uncertainties, as the team is not in good form, with many players far from their best and Corberán having yet to reveal his tactical plans. However, he could opt for a 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-3-1 scheme, with Almeida serving as a link between Hugo Duro, who is expected to start as the main striker, and the double pivot. In midfield, Javi Guerra, a little more free, as well as Barrenechea, the defensive midfielder due to Pepelu's suspension, could also be present, as well as Guillamón, who has a slim chance of impressing the new coach . The L'Eliana player could take the Argentinian's place, come in for Javi Guerra with a more defensive approach, or even take Almeida's place and play as number 10.
Read more:
Manchester City targets Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov to save their season
In defense, the doubt lies between Yarek or Tárrega, unless a system with five defenders is favored, in which case the three central defenders would be those trained in Paterna: Yarek, Mosquera and Tárrega. As for the full-backs, Foulquier is expected to start on the right, with no alternatives available, and the only fit left-back is Jesús Vázquez, although Corberán could revert to using Rioja as a full-back. Regardless, the new Valencia coach's first XI remains a mystery which will be revealed around an hour before kick-off of the postponed matchday 12 match.
Valencia CF: Dimitrievki, Foulquier, Yarek, Mosquera, Tarrega, Rioja, Barrenechea, Javi Guerra, Almeida, Diego Lopez and Hugo Duro.
Real Madrid : Courtois, Lucas Vázquez, Rudiger, Tchouameni, Mendy, Ceballos, Valverde, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinícius and Mbappé.
