Valencia vs Atletico Madrid

Arguably the most exciting match-up on this weekend’s La Liga schedule pits Valencia against Atletico Madrid at the Estadio de Mestalla.

Valencia’s comfortable 2-0 home win over Villarreal last time out halted a run of seven La Liga matches without a victory (D3, L4). It was also only the second time in eight La Liga fixtures that Jose Bordalas’ men have netted over 1.5 goals, something they’ve failed to do in three of their last four top-flight meetings with Atletico Madrid (D2, L2). On a positive note, though, the hosts have won five of their last eight La Liga games at Mestalla (D2, L1), as many victories as they had in their previous 16 home fixtures in the competition (W5, D7, L4). But Valencia could set an unwanted club record if they fail to win here, as they could go seven consecutive La Liga home matches against Atletico without a win for the first time in their top-flight history (D3, L3).

On the other hand, a 2-0 away loss to Liverpool in midweek Champions League action saw Atletico Madrid’s form wobble continues, with Diego Simeone’s men now winning just one of their last five matches across all competitions (D2, L2). Worryingly, Atletico’s rock-solid defense that has been this team’s main strength over the years has conceded 2+ goals four times across their last five competitive outings. Adding to a growing list of worries, ‘Los Rojiblancos’ have gone from winning their first three La Liga away games to back-to-back road trips without a win (D1, L1). There is an encouragement, however, as the defending champions have won more points (8) from losing positions than any other La Liga side this season.