Valencia vs Alaves – News and Probable Lineups

On Sunday, Valencia will look to secure their second consecutive victory in Spain’s top division as they face Alaves.

Los Che currently sit in 15th place in the La Liga standings, five points clear of the relegation zone, whereas Alaves occupy 16th place, being three points ahead of 18th-placed Mallorca.

Match overview

This Sunday’s fixture holds significant weight for both clubs, as just two points—and one position—separate them in the standings, resulting in a relegation struggle at this point in the season.

Valencia approaches this match following a 1-0 triumph against Osasuna, having enjoyed two wins in their last three outings, also triumphing over Levante on February 15.

However, the campaign has been challenging for Carlos Corberan’s squad, as they have amassed 29 points from 26 matches, leaving them in 15th place, five points clear of the relegation zone.

At home, Valencia has gathered 20 points from 13 league fixtures this season, suffering only three defeats in that time, while Alaves has encountered difficulties on the road, securing only two wins and eight points from 13 games.

The earlier encounter this season between Valencia and Alaves ended in a goalless draw, while their previous meeting at Mestalla in December 2024 resulted in a 2-2 draw.

Interestingly, Alaves has won four of their last six encounters with Valencia, going unbeaten in that span, with their last defeat to Los Che occurring in August 2021.

Valencia has managed only one victory in their last ten encounters with Alaves, which should give the visitors some confidence entering this match.

Nonetheless, the campaign has not been easy for the Blue and Whites, as they hold 27 points from 26 matches, placing them 16th in the table, just three points above the relegation zone.

After their 2-0 defeat against Levante, Alaves has appointed Quique Sanchez Flores as the new head coach, following Eduardo Coudet’s departure to lead River Plate.

The Basque team has experienced three losses in their last five matches across all competitions and has not found victory since late January, making the task for Sanchez Flores to maintain the team’s top-flight status quite demanding.

Valencia La Liga form:

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Valencia form (all competitions):

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Alaves La Liga form:

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Alaves form (all competitions):

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Team News

For Sunday’s La Liga match, Valencia will be missing Mouctar Diakhaby, Dimitri Foulquier, Copete, and Julen Agirrezabala, while Lucas Beltran’s participation is uncertain.

Head coach Corberan is expected to field the same team that kicked off against Osasuna, with Javi Guerra likely to retain his place in the attacking third.

Hugo Duro and Arnaut Danjuma may be viable options if changes are needed in the forward areas, but it’s anticipated that Umar Sadiq will keep his spot in the starting XI.

On the other hand, for Alaves, Ville Koski is nearing a return, though this match may come too soon for the 24-year-old defender.

Koski remains the team’s only injury concern, but the visitors will also miss Pablo Ibanez and Victor Parada due to suspensions.

Lucas Boye and Toni Martinez are set to continue leading the attack for the Basque side.

Valencia probable starting XI:

Dimitriexi; Randall, Comert, Nunez, Gaia; Rodriguez, Ugrinic; Ramazani, Guerra, Rioja; Sadiq

Alaves probable starting XI:

Sivera; Tenaglia, Pacheco, Jonny; Perez, Blanco, Suarez, Enriquez; Alena; Martinez, Boye

Alaves has encountered difficulties in away matches this season, whereas Valencia has been formidable at Mestalla, so predicting anything other than a home victory seems challenging, though the scoreline may be tight.