Match Preview

Real Madrid are back on the road as they prepare to take on Valencia at the Mestalla on Sunday.

Los Blancos are currently second in the early season league table where they equal points with third-place Valencia. Real have captured three wins in their first four matches prior to Sunday’s meeting.

Valencia have started the season just as strongly with three wins and a draw. Their on a two-match win streak while Real Madrid have only won one of their seven road matches away at the Mestalla.

Injuries/Suspensions

Real Madrid’s injured list is quickly filling as Ferland Mendy, Marcelo, Toni Kroos, Dani Ceballos, Gareth Bale and Mariano will all miss the trip.

Valencia will likely be without Denis Cheryshev and Cristiano Piccini.

There are suspensions for either club in Sunday’s meeting.

Potential XIs

Valencia

Mamardashvili; Correia, Gabriel, Alderete, Gaya; Soler, Wass, Guillamon, Foulquier; Guedez, Gomez

Real Madrid

Courtois; Carvajal, Militão, Nacho, Alaba; Modric, Casemiro, Valverde; Rodrygo, Benzema, Hazard

With Marcelo and Mendy both out injured David Alaba will likely be given the start at the left back position. Fede Valverde will likely continue slotting in for the injured Kroos.

Rodrygo could be Carlo Ancelotti’s choice to start on the right wing with Bale out. Lucas Vazquez could be given the start as well, though he did start against Inter earlier this week.

Ancelotti has voiced his concern starting Eden Hazard two matches in a row after resting him against Inter. He could be the starter here after not being so on Wednesday, though Vinicius is always an option as well.

Prediction

Valencia—Real Madrid 1-1

With both clubs starting the season out strong so far this could be a match that ends in a draw. Real Madrid haven’t had the best of luck recently with achieving victory at the Mestalla.

Real Madrid will need to play tough as they still have several key injuries to the squad. Getting three points is always the goal, but it would not be surprising to see both clubs split points on Sunday. Los Blancos still have an unbeaten streak to defend as they have yet to face a loss in 22 straight league matches.