Deportivo Alaves vs Valencia
Estadio de Mendizorroza, Vitoria Gastiez
Friday, 06-03-2020 @11pm
Ref: Jesus Gil
Valencia ended their miserable February on a high last weekend as goals from Kevin Gameiro and Captain Dani Parejo settled a thrilling contest against Betis at Mestalla, but the 2-1 victory may only prove to be temporary relief for Los Che as they prepare to hit the road again on Matchday 27.
The win over Los Verdiblancos extended Valencia’s unbeaten La Liga home record this term to 14 games (W8, D6) and no one can doubt that Albert Celades’ side have looked the real deal on their own turf.
But in contrast, Valencia have been atrocious on their travels, resembling a team battling relegation as opposed to chasing a top four spot. Los Che have lost their last three away La Liga matches by an aggregate score of 10-1, taking their overall defeat tally this season to seven from 12 away outings.
Los Che also suffered a 4-1 Champions League mauling against Atalanta at the San Siro in the middle of last month, so they really are a team to avoid right now outside of Mestalla. Alaves will be hopeful that they can dish out further punishment here, and they will also be looking to take advantage should Valencia have one eye on their crucial second leg against the Italians next week.
Alaves look more and more likely to evade a potential relegation scrap this season as the games tick by, and confidence gained from their probable safety has been reflected in recent performances.
Babazorros have now lost just one of their last five games after a 1-1 draw at Leganes last week, while they notched consecutive 2-1 home victories against fellow Basque sides Eibar and Athletic Bilbao in February.
Asier Garitano’s men sit comfortably in 13th place and with a nine point cushion over the bottom three heading into this Friday’s contest, in which we expect them to play with a great deal of freedom relative to their opponents, who are under pressure to make the top four.
Alaves have been solid throughout the campaign on home soil with six wins, four draws and just three defeats posted at Mendizorroza, so it’s no surprise that they have been installed as marginal favourites for this Matchday 27 clash, especially with Los Che in such poor shape on the road.
Alaves have lost just one of their last five La Liga matches. That run has included back to back 2-1 home wins against Eibar and Athletic Bilbao. Babazorros have lost just three of their 13 home games this term, winning six. Valencia have lost their last three La Liga fixtures on the road by an aggregate score of 10-1.
The other La Liga games this weekend
Saturday, 07-03-2020
-Eibar vs Real Mallorca @3pm
-Atletico Madrid vs Sevilla @6pm
-Barcelona vs Real Sociedad @8:30pm
-Getafe vs Celta Vigo @11pm
Sunday, 08-03-2020
-Osasuna vs Espanyol @2pm
-Real Valladolid vs Athletic Bilbao @4pm
-Levante vs Granada @6pm
-Villarreal vs Leganes @8:30pm
-Real Betis vs Real Madrid @11pm
