The Mestalla is the stage for this highly-anticipated encounter as Valencia and Espanyol go head-to-head in the laLiga Santander this Friday. Read on for our expert tips and predictions.
Unbeaten against Espanyol on home soil since 2017, Valencia head into this game brimming with confidence and would be keen on getting their third straight win against the Catalan club have made it two from two early this season.
Highly-anticipated encounter on the cards
Los Che welcome Espanyol to the Estadio Mestalla having managed to win all of their last five games in all competitions. Their most recent encounter at home with Levante is one that would last long in the fans' memories with Valencia coming out on top in a seven-goal thriller courtesy of braces from Guedes and Soler. This win puts them just two points behind Ryo Vallecano on the league standings and a win here means they would be heading into the new year in the Champions League positions.
Given that this would be Espanyol's first season back in the top-flight, they would be very pleased with their performance halfway through the season as they head into this game in 11th position having amassed a total of 23 points so far. Although they've struggled a bit with inconsistency, they head into this matchup with four wins in their last six games in all competitions. Last time out, they got beat by Celta Vigo 3-3 for their seventh loss of the campaign. Would we see them get back to winning ways this Friday ?
Valencia vs Espanyol Team News
Valencia possible starting XI:
Cillessen; Foulquier, Diakhaby, Guillamon, Gaya; Duro, Soler, Wass, Cheryshev; Guedes, Costa
Espanyol possible starting XI:
D. Lopez; Vidal, Gomez, Cabrera, Pedrosa; Herrera, Bare; Puado, Darder, Embarba; De Tomas
Valencia vs Espanyol Prediction: 2-1
Espanyol should certainly find it hard t deal with a Valencia side full of confidence and although we don't expect the Catalans to roll over easily, we would be backing the hosts to come away with all three points in a tightly-contested affair.