Valencia CF and Deportivo Alavés are set to face off on December 22, 2024, at Estadio de Mestalla, marking another significant fixture for both as they seek points to steady their shaky seasons. Currently, Valencia finds itself at the bottom of the La Liga standings, with many supporters wondering when the team will turn its fortunes around.
The match kicks off at 14:00 (UK Time) and promises to be pivotal for both sides, especially for Valencia, who are five points behind Alavés. With their record consisting of just 2 wins, 5 draws, and 9 losses, Valencia’s season has been bleak, scoring only 14 goals and conceding 24, resulting in their lowly position.
Recent performances have been underwhelming, with Valencia managing only one draw and two defeats in their last three matches, including their last outing—a 1-1 draw against RCD Espanyol. Meanwhile, Deportivo Alavés sits precariously just above the relegation zone at 17th place, having not won any of their last six league matches, with three draws and three defeats.
The head-to-head record adds to the tension. Historically, these sides have met 18 times, with Valencia winning 8, Deportivo Alavés claiming victory 7 times, and 3 matches finishing as draws. Notably, Alavés has had Valencia's number recently, having won their last three encounters. Their last match on May 5, 2024, ended 1-0 in favor of Alavés, leaving Valencia fans frustrated as their team failed to score against them.
When it boils down to goals, Valencia's struggles are evident this season. They average just 0.88 goals per match, far from the performance they require to climb the table. Deportivo Alavés fares slightlybetter, averaging 1.12 goals, but their defensive issues, allowing 28 goals this season, mirror those of Valencia.
The teams are expected to line up as follows: Valencia is projected to start with Mamardashvili; Correia, Caufriez, Mosquera, Tarrega, Gaya; Lopez, Guerra, Barrenechea, Rioja; Duro. Conversely, Deportivo Alavés will likely field Sivera; Sanchez, Pica, Abqar, Tenaglia; Benavidez, Blanco; Rebeccah, Guridi, Vicente; Garcia.
Analysts' predictions suggest the match might end as low scoring, with many betting sites favoring under 2.5 total goals. With both teams demonstrating lackluster form, many anticipate the clash will result in another close contest, potentially concluding as 1-1. There’s widely shared sentiment among analysts and fans alike, with consensus pointing toward both teams scoring less than two and the possibility of split points.
For bettors, this match is exceptionally attractive. Valencia's weak home record and Alavés' away struggles create uncertainty, pushing many to favor betting on drawn outcomes. Various betting experts deem it likely Alavés will score first, reinforcing the narrative of their recent head-to-head success.
The importance of this encounter cannot be understated, for it presents Valencia with perhaps one of their best chances to secure valuable points at home. Failure to do so would exacerbate their relegation worries, whereas for Alavés, showing they can capitalize against lower-ranked opponents would bolster confidence and provide much-needed momentum to fend off relegation threats.
All eyes will be on the Mestalla as fans eagerly await to see if their team can rise to the occasion. Valencia needs to find its rhythm, shake off the negative vibes, and deliver a performance worthy of their history and supporters. For Deportivo Alavés, this match could either solidify their position just above the relegation zone or ignite fears of slipping back down as the season progresses.
With the match just around the corner, anticipation continues to build, as both teams are desperate not only for points but for pride. Can Valencia reclaim some glory at home, or will Alavés continue their dominance? The time for answers is almost here.
