Valencia will host bottom-of-the-table Almeria in the La Liga on Saturday. The hosts come into this game coming off a 2-0 loss at Atletico Madrid. Almeria hasn’t won in the league all season. They lost 3-0 to Alaves in their most recent encounter at this level.
Preview (Valencia vs. Almeria)
Valencia was coming off four straight victories over Rayo Vallecano, Villarreal, Cadiz, and Athletic Bilbao going into last weekend’s La Liga matchup with Atletico. However, they were unable to maintain their stellar form, losing 2-0 to Diego Simeone’s team at Wanda Metropolitano. Nevertheless, Los Che remains a formidable force in the La Liga standings. They have amassed 32 points from 22 games to occupy the eighth spot. They are four points clear of Real Sociedad in sixth. With 20 points from their ten home league games this season, Ruben Baraja’s team is well-positioned to compete in Spain’s top division and earn a European spot.
Valencia’s final La Liga finish last season was 16th. It was their joint-worst place since they were demoted at the end of the 1985–86 season. Finishing fourth in 2018–19 is out of reach for Los Che this season. A return to Europe for the 2024–25 campaign would be a tremendous accomplishment for this youthful team. Almeria comes into the game coming off a 3-0 home loss to Alaves. It sent them to the bottom of the standings with only six points from their 22 games played this season.
La Union is still without a league win this season and is a concerning 11 points out of a secure 17th place based on their point total after 22 games. Almeria has conceded 49 goals this season, including six in their last two games. They have the worst defensive record in the top flight in Spain. Almeria was, however, narrowly defeated by Real Madrid in their most recent away game. They fell behind 2-0 at the Bernabeu and then lost 3-2 in extra time.
Team News
The 21-year-old attacker Peter, who was signed by Valencia on loan from Real Madrid, may be included in the starting lineup for this weekend’s match against the team in the bottom half of the division. But now that Gabriel Paulista has left, having terminated his contract at Mestalla to join Atletico Madrid. The team is without a first-team defender in addition to Sergi Canos and André Almeida due to injury. Due to his participation with Guinea at the Africa Cup of Nations, Valencia is still without the services of Mouctar Diakhaby; therefore, Centenk Ozkacar may play in the middle of defense.
The visitors will be able to welcome back Largie Ramazani into their lineup, as the forward is eligible following his suspension in the previous game against Alaves. Luis Suarez is still not available for selection, and Ibrahima Kone is a serious doubt. However, left-back Sergio Akieme departed Almeria to join Reims in France, hence the starting lineup for this match will need to be changed.
Valencia 1-0 Almeria
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