Valencia aims to boost their chances for a top-six finish by visiting Las Palmas this Saturday evening in a captivating match in Spain’s premier league.
Currently, Valencia is in seventh place, just two points shy of the sixth spot held by Real Sociedad, while Las Palmas is also performing well, positioned ninth.
Match Preview
After securing a promotion from the Segunda Division last season, Las Palmas has defied expectations to enjoy a successful season in the top league.
With nine victories, five ties, and nine losses out of 23 games, they’ve gathered 32 points, placing them ninth, just three points behind Valencia.
Following a close loss to Real Madrid and a 1-1 tie with Granada, Las Palmas is looking to get back on the winning track this Saturday.
They boast the second-strongest defense in La Liga, conceding only 20 goals in 23 matches but have struggled offensively, scoring just 23 times, one of the lower rates in the league.
In their last encounter in January 2018 at Estadio Gran Canaria, Las Palmas won 2-1 against Valencia, though Valencia took the victory in this season’s earlier match.
Coming off a 2-1 win against Almeria, Valencia now sits in seventh with 35 points from their games this season.
They’re chasing the sixth spot, potentially leading to a Conference League playoff round qualification, aiming to improve significantly from last season’s 16th place finish.
Valencia has shown strength at home but has been inconsistent away, winning only three out of 12 away games.
Since December 8, their only league loss was against Atletico Madrid, but they’ve managed to win two of their last three away league games.
Las Palmas La Liga Form: L L W W L D
Las Palmas Form (All Competitions): L L W W L D
Valencia La Liga Form: W W W W L W
Valencia Form (All Competitions): W W L W L W
Team News
Las Palmas will be without Benito Ramirez due to injury, and Aaron Escandell is suspended. They’ll also check on Eric Curbelo, Alvaro Lemos, and Javi Munoz’s fitness, but Julian Araujo is back after a suspension.
Sandro Ramirez will likely lead the attack, flanked by Munir El Haddadi and Alberto Moleiro, with Marvin Park expected to keep his place as right-back.
Valencia has doubts over Diego Lopez and Andre Almeida, with Thierry Correia and Sergi Canos out. Mouctar Diakhaby returns from the Africa Cup of Nations.
If Diego Lopez is unfit, Fran Perez might step in, with Hugo Duro and Roman Yaremchuk continuing upfront.
Possible Starting Lineups
Las Palmas:
Valles;
Park, Suarez, Marmol, S Cardona;
El Haddadi, Loiodice, Perrone, K Rodriguez, Moleiro;
Sandro
Valencia:
Mamardashvili;
Foulquier, Mosquera, Ozkacar, Gaya;
Perez, Pepelu, Guillamon, Guerra;
Duro, Yaremchuk
Prediction: Las Palmas 1-1 Valencia
With Las Palmas having a strong home record and Valencia’s mixed away performance, both teams have a good chance of winning. However, we anticipate a closely contested match ending in a draw with few goals.
