Deportivo vs Valencia – News and Probable Lineups

Deportivo La Coruna will be facing a significant challenge to their top-flight aspirations on Sunday evening when Valencia visits the Estadio Abanca-Riazor for a LaLiga encounter that both teams are keen to win in light of their unsatisfactory starts to the season.

The promoted team under Antonio Hidalgo has drawn their first two matches, while Valencia, managed by Carlos Corberan, is aiming for their maiden victory of the season.

Match overview

Deportivo has displayed commendable determination in their first two outings but has struggled to convert their promising starts into wins, a trend that will raise concerns for Hidalgo ahead of Sunday’s encounter.

On opening day, Deportivo managed a 1-1 draw against Elche after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang found the net in the 21st minute, only for Marc Aguado to equalize in the 76th minute, which denied the hosts a perfect start to their LaLiga campaign.

A consecutive draw followed against fellow newly promoted side Malaga, with Aubameyang again scoring in the 21st minute, but Chupete equalized in the 34th minute, leaving Deportivo in 11th place in the initial standings.

Nevertheless, the Blue and Whites have made promising strides in the transfer market, with the signings of Aubameyang and Adama Traore injecting vital top-tier experience into a squad that will need it throughout a challenging season ahead.

Deportivo secured their return to LaLiga by finishing second in the previous season’s Segunda Division, ending an eight-year stint away from the top division. While their early draws indicate competitiveness, Hidalgo’s side is aware that they must capitalize on their leads to ensure survival by May.

Similarly, Valencia has had a lackluster beginning, managing to secure just one point from their first two fixtures – a goalless draw with Celta Vigo at home on opening day, followed by a home loss to Real Betis. Therefore, Sunday’s trip to Galicia marks their first away match of the season.

Corberan’s squad finished ninth last season, accumulating 49 points from 13 wins, 10 draws, and 15 losses. With Los Che having gained only 19 points from away matches throughout the last season—comprising five wins, four draws, and 10 defeats—there’s little evidence to suggest they will start the current campaign as formidable away contenders.

The historical matchup between these two teams favors Valencia, who emerged victorious in both encounters during the 2017-18 season. The last meeting in LaLiga saw Valencia triumph by a scoreline of 2-1 on both occasions.

In the last five direct matches, Valencia has taken the victory three times, with two draws and no wins for Deportivo.

Team News

Deportivo will be missing Noe for Sunday’s match due to a muscle injury, which likely rules him out.

Aubameyang is anticipated to spearhead the attack once more, given his goals in both opening fixtures, with Adama Traore also in line to provide speed and directness from the flanks.

Valencia heads into this fixture facing an increasing injury list, with Sergi Canos, Diego Lopez, Justin De Haas, and Jose Copete all confirmed as absentees due to cruciate ligament, ankle, and meniscus injuries.

Dimitri Foulquier is also doubtful, potentially missing the match as he continues his individual rehabilitation program.

Alberto Mari has departed the club after being granted a free transfer, as he was not part of Corberan’s plans while recovering from injury.

Stole Dimitriexi remains the preferred choice in goal for Valencia, with Cesar Tarrega and Mouctar Diakhaby expected to form the central defensive partnership.

Deportivo La Coruna probable starting XI:

Roman; Navarro, Noubi, Loureiro, Quagliata; Altimira, Soriano, Amatucci, Asp Jensen; Cruz, Aubameyang

Valencia probable starting XI:

Dimitriexi; Pepelu, Tarrega, Diakhaby; Gaya, Rodriguez, Ugrinic, Guerra, Maffeo; Umar, Sato

With the depth of quality Corberan’s squad possesses, they could find a way to breach the defense of a newly promoted side still acclimatizing to top-flight action. Given Valencia’s favorable head-to-head record, the visitors are expected to secure their first win of the season and set their campaign on the right path.