Matchday 18 of La Liga between Valencia and Alaves will take place on December 22 at the Mestalla Stadium. Valencia vs. Alaves: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Referee: Javier Alberola Rojas (Spain)
Matches – 7 (La Liga, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 40;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.7;
Red cards shown – 0;
Average fouls per match – 27;
Penalties – 29%.
Predicted lineups for Valencia vs. Alaves
Valencia (4-2-3-1): Stole Dimitrievski – Luis Rioja, Cesar Tárrega, Dimitri Foulquier, Cristian Mosquera – Enzo Barrenechea, Pepelu – André Almeida, Fran Pérez, Diego López – Dani Gómez.
Alaves (4-4-2): Antonio Sivera – Nahuel Tenaglia, Santiago Mourino, Moussa Diarra, Abdel Abqar – Antonio Blanco, Joan Jordán, Carlos Vicente, Jon Guridi – Carlos Martín, Kike García.
Each team’s starting lineup is based on their previous match in this tournament.
Valencia
Valencia has been unable to secure a victory in their last four La Liga matches. In their most recent game, they drew 1-1 with Espanyol away, following three consecutive one-goal defeats. Notably, Valencia has managed only one win in their last ten league games (4 draws and 5 losses). Ruben Baraja's side sits at the bottom of the table, trailing the safety zone by six points.
- Valencia has not scored more than one goal in 9 of their last 10 La Liga matches.
- The team has not won the first half in 12 consecutive home games in La Liga (9 draws and 3 losses).
- At least two goals have been scored in 6 of Valencia's last 8 home league matches.
Alaves
The Basques have also struggled, with just one win in their last 11 La Liga matches (3 draws and 7 losses). This poor run has seen the club plummet to 17th place, just two points above the relegation zone. In their last three league games, Eduardo Coudet's side has drawn all three, sharing points at home with Leganes and Athletic (both 1-1) and away with Osasuna (2-2).
Defender Nahuel Tenaglia will miss the match due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
- Two or more goals have been scored in 13 of Alaves' last 15 La Liga matches.
- The Basques have lost the second half in their last five away league games.
- In 6 of their last 7 away matches in La Liga, the team has conceded at least two goals.
Valencia vs. Alaves: Match Prediction
In a clash between two struggling sides, the home advantage could be crucial. Valencia's two La Liga-2024/25 victories have come at their own stadium, against teams representing Spain in European competitions: Girona (2-0) and Betis (4-2). I believe the team can rally and secure the necessary three points in this game, especially considering they have won seven of their last ten home encounters against Alaves in La Liga (2 draws and 1 loss).
Although Alaves managed a draw with Osasuna in their last away match, they had lost six consecutive away games in La Liga prior. The team has conceded 19 goals away from home, with only Valladolid conceding more (22 goals). Even a Valencia side not known for their attacking prowess this season should be able to breach such a defense. My prediction: Valencia to Win
