Valencia vs Alaves
Spanish La Liga.
Date: Thursday, 23 September, 2016
Kick-off: 03:00 GMT+7
Venue: Mestalla, Valencia.
Valencia are the very definition of a club in crisis right now. They come into this match bottom of La Liga and without a point to their name following a 2-1 defeat at Athletic Bilbao at the weekend. That was their 7th consecutive league defeat, which is far from good enough given they are traditionally one of Spanish football’s powerhouses. If that run doesn’t end here then talk of the unthinkable and Valencia dropping out of the top flight will certainly start to crop up again as it did briefly last season. It may also leave coach Pako Ayestarán in a position that is close to untenable.
Alaves are the best equipped of the newly promoted sides to stay up and are unbeaten so far on their return to La Liga. They haven’t been exactly inspiring at home, where they were involved in a dull 0-0 draw with Deportivo La Coruna on Monday night, following another scoreless game against Sporting last month. However, on the road, under less pressure they have really impressed. Trips to Atletico Madrid and Barcelona have almost incredibly yielded 4 points, mostly thanks to their 2-1 win at Camp Nou almost a fortnight ago. They clearly aren’t a side that is intimidated by going to play at one of Spain’s great stadiums, so a trip to the Mestalla is unlikely to concern them, particularly the way Valencia are playing.
The bookies have been slow to react to just how poor Valencia are right now. After selling 3 of their best players following a season when they finished in the bottom half with just 44 points, it’s no surprise that they are struggling. They do nothing to justify their status as clear odds-on favourites to win this game, particularly with Alaves looking like a tough side to break down.
The Basques have conceded just 2 goals in 4 games this season, which is miraculous given who they’ve played, and they are capable of getting a result here ,so backing Alaves +1.0 Asian
Handicap at 1.875 looks to offer value.
Valencia vs Alaves: Head-to-Head Stats
Valencia are unbeaten in the last 6 matches played against Alaves with 4 wins and 2 draws.
Alaves also failed to score in the last four matches against Valencia.
Overall, in 12 meetings between these two sides, Valencia have won 7 and draws 3 with Alaves winning in 2.
Both of Alaves’ wins have come during the 6 visits to Valencia, while the hosts recorded 3 wins with 2 matches ending in stalemates.
The Los Che are unbeaten in the 6 trips to Alaves with 4 wins and 2 draws.
Valencia vs Alaves: Prediction
With all honesty, it is hard to find any positives in the way Valencia are playing at the moment. Three of their four losses this season have come against teams which are way below their quality. Their six match unbeaten run against Alaves is at risk her.
Alaves on the other hand are unbeaten with 3 draws and a priceless win against FC Barcelona at Camp Nou. They also held Atletico to an away draw in the opening week of the season. There will be a lot of self-belief and confidence in this team. And I believe that they will stay unbeaten after the clash against Valencia.
Valencia vs Alaves: Bet Tips
Double Chance – Draw/Alaves at 2.60 (8/5).
Stats
Valencia are hoping to avoid an 8th straight defeat in La Liga. They haven't picked up a point since a 2-2 draw at Getafe in April. Alaves are unbeaten in 12 competitive games.
Team News
Enzo Perez should return from suspension to bolster the midfield. Mario Suarez is expected to drop out as a result, while young striker Munir should get another chance up top.
Zouhair Feddal is still out with an ankle knock but otherwise Alaves have a clean bill of health. They are expected to continue with their cautious 5-4-1 formation.
