La Liga preview and odds: Valencia vs. Malaga

Published on: 16/10/2015

La Liga preview and odds: Valencia vs. Malaga

October 17, 2015 10:00pm - Mestalla

La Liga

Two teams that have had below par starts to the season will go head-to-head on Saturday when Valencia welcome Malaga to the Mestalla in the Spanish top flight.

Valencia looking to preserve strong home record

Valencia were unbeaten in their first four La Liga games but have since lost two of their last three. However, they have yet to be defeated on home soil in the current campaign.

In their last game, Los Che went down 3-1 away to Athletic Club despite taking an early lead through Captain Dani Parejo. It was the first time that they had conceded more than one goal in a league game this season.

Valencia have not been beaten in their last 15 home matches in the league. Their only defeat in their last 23 home games was a 1-0 reverse against Barcelona last November.

Malaga goal drought over

Malaga started the season in poor form but have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks. The earned a point away at the Bernabeu against unbeaten Real Madrid before brushing aside David Moyes` Real Sociedad 3-1 at La Rosaleda Stadium in the last game week.

That win lifted them out of the relegation zone into 17th in the table. A win at the weekend would put them level on points with their opponents.

Malaga have yet to score a goal on the road but have only conceded two despite having already visited the Bernabeu to face Real Madrid (0-0) and the Camp Nou to take on Barca (1-0). Their only other away game at Getafe also ended in a 1-0 loss.

Los Boquerones have the second best defensive record in the league but have netted fewer goals than any other team. All three of their goals were scored by 31-year-old Brazilian striker Charles and all three came in the win against La Real.

Team news

Fernando Tissone was sent off in the last match and will be suspended for the Andalucians.

Recent form (League)

Valencia: LWLDW

Malaga: WDLLD

Betting odds and tips

Malaga are improving but the Mestalla is still a fortress for Valencia. Only Barcelona have prevailed there in the last 18 months and only five teams have come away with a draw in the last 23 games. With statistics like that, the 4/6 on offer from Betfred for a home win looks like decent value.

Home side striker Paco Alcacer was on target again for Spain during the international break and can be backed at 31/21 with Unibet to score anytime.

Published on: 16/10/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (16/10/2015 12:40:05) but are subject to change.