Valencia will return to action for the first time since the devastating DANA storm as they host Real Betis at the Mestalla on Saturday. While the hosts are fighting to climb off the bottom of the La Liga table, the visitors aim to maintain their momentum as they sit seventh.
Match Preview
Valencia:
Valencia did not have a competitive game since October 27, as matches with Real Madrid, Espanyol, and CP Parla Escuela were postponed due to severe flooding. This Saturday’s game carries extra significance as the club will donate 100% of ticket sale earnings to support the recovery efforts for the Valencia region and to help restore sporting and educational activities for children affected by the DANA disaster.
On the pitch, Ruben Baraja’s side is really struggling, managing to win just one of their 11 La Liga matches so far this season (D4, L6). That lack of firepower in the final third—just eight league goals scored so far—is keeping them three points adrift of safety. Valencia’s recent record against Real Betis does little to instill confidence either, having failed to beat Los Verdiblancos since a 3-0 victory in November 2022.
Real Betis
Manuel Pellegrini’s Betis enter this fixture in fine form, unbeaten in their last seven matches across all competitions (W4, D3). In La Liga, they followed consecutive wins against Osasuna and Atletico Madrid with draws against Athletic Club and Celta Vigo.
A 95th-minute equalizer from Marc Bartra rescued a point in their last outing against Celta Vigo, as they showed their ability to dig deep. However, their away form remains inconsistent this term, with just one win from six league trips this campaign (D3, L2). That said, Betis can take encouragement from the fact that they won 2-1 on their last visit to the Mestalla in April.
Form Guide
Valencia La Liga form: WDLDLD
Real Betis La Liga form: WLWWDD
Real Betis (all competitions): DWWDWD
Team News
Valencia:
Ruben Baraja will be without a few players, such as Maximiliano Caufriez, Mouctar Diakhaby, Rafa Mir, and Ruben Iranzo. Full-back Thierry Rendall has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to an ACL problem. The team captain, Jose Gaya, recently recovered from an injury and is likely to start at left-back.
Predicted Valencia Lineup:
Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Mosquera, Tarrega, Gasiorowski, Gaya; Lopez, Guerra, Barrenechea, Rioja; Duro
Real Betis:
Without Johnny Cardoso, Nobel Mendy, William Carvalho, Marc Roca, Isco, and Hector Bellerin, Pellegrini will be free. Even Pablo Fornals is a doubt following some discomfort in training. Fit-again Aitor Ruibal is available, though.
Predicted Real Betis Lineup:
Silva; Sabaly, Llorente, Natan, Perraud; Altimira, Lo Celso; Ruibal, Losada, Ezzalzouli; Roque
Prediction
Valencia 1-2 Real Betis
Real Betis will look to extend their unbeaten streak, and with Valencia struggling for form and goals, the visitors are favorites to secure a narrow win. Pellegrini’s side is in rhythm, while Valencia may need more time to recover both on and off the pitch after the recent disruptions.
