The 51st La Liga Derbi de la Comunitat takes place this Saturday evening as both Valencia and Villarreal look to end winless runs of four games across all competitions.
Match News and Current Form
After collecting just two points from their last four La Liga fixtures, Valencia begin this gameweek in 14th place and just three points above the relegation zone. Carlos Corberán’s side ended a run of three matches without a clean sheet when they drew 0-0 at Alavés on Monday but were beaten 2-1 by newcomers Real Oviedo in their last home game. That loss ended a run of three unbeaten matches this season (W2, D1) at the Mestalla, but their overall form as hosts from March onwards remains impressive (W6, D2, L2) and Los Ches have not posted consecutive home losses in the same La Liga season since May 2024.
A 3-1 defeat at the Bernabéu and 2-2 home draw against Betis last Saturday means that Villarreal, who retained third place in the standings despite dropping points twice, begin this derby hoping to avoid registering three consecutive league games without victory for the first time since December last year. Following a tough 2-0 Champions League loss at home to Manchester City, Marcelino’s side hit the road looking to end a run of seven consecutive La Liga away regional derbies (D2, L5) without a victory dating back to a win over Levante in April 2021.
Head-to-Head History
Both of last season’s H2Hs ended 1-1 and there has never been three consecutive La Liga draws between the teams. Valencia are unbeaten in their last seven home league H2Hs (W5, D2), but Villarreal manager Marcelino, who managed Valencia from 2017-2019, has lost only one of his last ten La Liga H2Hs (W3, D6) against his former employers.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Valencia have not conceded before half-time in any of their last six home games.
Valencia have scored in nine of their last ten home matches.
Villarreal have conceded 2+ goals in each of their last four matches across all tournaments.
Villarreal have received 3+ yellow cards across their last four competitive away matches.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Luis Rioja has provided two assists across Valencia’s last three home games but he is yet to make a goal contribution in a total of ten games against Villarreal. Pape Gueye scored in the last H2H and has been booked in his last two away games, while also providing an assist in the defeat against Real Madrid.
Dimitri Foulquier, Filip Ugrinic and José Copete are all doubtful for Valencia, while Villarreal picked up no new injuries during their midweek game.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre
Betting Analysis
With both sides on winless runs, backing another 1-1 draw is an attractive bet.
Author: Tom Penn