Indonesia
Nigeria
South Africa

Preview: Alaves vs. Valencia - prediction, team news, lineups

sportsmole.co.uk, 31 August 2023, 08:59
Valencia will be bidding to return to winning ways in La Liga when they travel to Mendizorrotza Stadium on Sunday evening to take on Alaves.

The visitors will enter the contest off the back of a 2-1 home loss to Osasuna, while Alaves were beaten 1-0 by Getafe in their last match in Spain's top flight.

Match preview

Alaves secured a return to La Liga through last season's Segunda Division playoffs, so their main focus for this term is to consolidate back in the top flight.

The Blue and Whites suffered a 1-0 defeat at Cadiz in their opening match of the campaign before winning a seven-goal thriller against Sevilla in front of their own supporters.

Alaves were unable to build on the result, though, as they lost 1-0 at Getafe on Monday evening, with the result leaving them in 14th position in the table on three points.

Luis Garcia's side will be pleased to be back on home soil this weekend, and their form in front of their own supporters is likely to be crucial when it comes to their chances of staying in the division.

Alaves have brought 10 new players to the club this summer, while there have also been a host of departures, so there is a fresh look to the squad this season.

Valencia, meanwhile, opened their 2023-24 La Liga campaign with back-to-back wins over Sevilla and Las Palmas, but they suffered a 2-1 home loss to Osasuna last time out.

It did appear that the points would be shared at Mestalla, with Hugo Duro coming up with an 80th-minute leveller after Aimar Oroz had sent the visitors ahead, but Nacho Vidal won it for Osasuna in the fifth minute of added time at the end of the 90 minutes.

Los Che have still made an encouraging start to the season, though, sitting up in sixth position on six points, and they are attempting to put a very difficult 2022-23 campaign behind them.

Indeed, Ruben Baraja's side finished 16th in Spain's top flight last season, which proved to be their lowest spot since being relegated from La Liga at the end of the 1985-86 campaign.

Valencia have only actually won one of their last five league matches against Alaves, and they suffered a 2-1 defeat when the two teams locked horns in the corresponding game during the 2021-22 campaign.

Alaves La Liga form:

Valencia La Liga form:

Advert - content below:

Team News

Alaves remain without the services of on-loan Atletico Madrid forward Giuliano Simeone, who suffered a serious ankle injury during the team's preparations for the 2023-24 campaign.

The Basque outfit are otherwise in good shape, and head coach Garcia is expected to resist the temptation to shuffle his pack for the clash with Valencia.

Indeed, Luis Rioja and Xeber Alkain are both set to keep hold of their starting roles in the wide areas, with Kike Garcia again expected to feature down the middle for the Basque side.

Valencia, meanwhile, will be missing two players for this weekend's contest, with Marcos Andre and Alberto Mari out with knee and thigh injuries respectively.

Andre Almeida was surprisingly left out of the starting side against Osasuna but should be introduced back into the XI for this contest, with Javi Guerra likely to drop out.

There could also be a change in a wide position, with Dimitri Foulquier potentially coming in to replace Fran Perez in order to provide some protection to Thierry Correia.

Alaves possible starting lineup:

Sivera; Gorosabel, Aqbar, Sedlar, Duarte; Guevara, Benavidez, Guridi; Alkain, Kike, Rioja

Valencia possible starting lineup:

Mamardashvili; Correia, Paulista, Ozkacar, Gaya; Foulquier, Pepelu, Diakhaby, Lopez; Duro, Almeida

We say: Alaves 1-1 Valencia

Alaves were impressive in their last home match against Sevilla, and we are expecting them to be a difficult side to beat at Mendizorrotza Stadium this season. Valencia are still short of firepower, so we can see a low-scoring draw taking place this weekend.

Previews by email
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Bayern Munich 'make £50m offer for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha'
Bayern Munich have reportedly made a £50m bid for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.
31 August 2023
talksport.com
Floyd Mayweather watches Inter Miami streak with Lionel Messi end alongside Hall of Famer with new job
Two US sporting heavyweights were left disappointed at seeing Inter Miami's nine-game winning streak with Lionel Messi end.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Champions League group stage draw: Who could all four English sides face?
The draw for the group stage of the 2023-24 Champions League takes place at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco at 5pm BST on Thursday.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Real Sociedad vs. Granada - prediction, team news, lineups
Still searching for their first victory of the 2023-24 La Liga campaign, Real Sociedad will welcome Granada to Anoeta Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Tottenham Hotspur to consider Eberechi Eze as Brennan Johnson alternative?
Tottenham Hotspur are allegedly giving consideration to making an approach for Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze.
31 August 2023
talksport.com
Brighton set to sign Barcelona's number 10 Ansu Fati in statement transfer move
Brighton are closing in on the statement signing of Barcelona forward Ansu Fati.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool 'end interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure'
Liverpool have reportedly ended their interest in signing Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Brest vs. Rennes - prediction, team news, lineups
Saturday's early Ligue 1 kick-off sees Brest and Rennes lock horns at the Stade Francis-Le Ble, with a solitary point separating the Brittany rivals after three matches.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Napoli vs. Lazio - prediction, team news, lineups
Last season's top two clash at Stadio Maradona on Saturday, as Serie A champions Napoli host 2022-23 runners-up Lazio.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
How Chelsea could line up against Nottingham Forest
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino will once again be working around a double-figure absentee list for Saturday's Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Arsenal
Manchester United will be bidding to secure their third Premier League victory of the campaign when they travel to Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Chelsea vs. Nottingham Forest - prediction, team news, lineups
Aiming to win three competitive matches on the bounce for the first time since March, Chelsea welcome Nottingham Forest to Stamford Bridge for Saturday afternoon's Premier League battle.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Transfer rumours: Lenglet to Villa, Iheanacho to Palace, Mengi to Luton
Aston Villa have reportedly reached an agreement with Barcelona to loan French defender Clement Lenglet for the 2023-24 campaign.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Rotherham United vs. Norwich City - prediction, team news, lineups
Two teams at opposite ends of the Championship table face off at the New York Stadium on Saturday as lowly Rotherham United entertain in-form Norwich City.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
LIVE! Transfer news and rumours: Chelsea to sign Man City's Palmer, Balogun leaves Arsenal
LIVE! Transfer news and rumours: Chelsea to sign Man City's Palmer, Balogun leaves Arsenal Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the latest transfer news and rumours from around the world of football on Thursday, August 31. Stick with us below to keep up to date with all of today's transfer rumours and done deals.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
How Tottenham Hotspur could line up against Burnley
Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou is sweating over the fitness of Richarlison ahead of Saturday's Premier League showdown with Burnley at Turf Moor.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Chelsea team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Nottingham Forest
Fresh from booking their place in the third round of the EFL Cup, Chelsea return to Premier League duty to host Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Burnley vs. Tottenham Hotspur - prediction, team news, lineups
Two teams separated by 15 places in the embryonic Premier League table square off at Turf Moor on Saturday, as Burnley play host to Tottenham Hotspur.
31 August 2023
talksport.com
Brighton to sign Fati, Palmer to Chelsea, Bayern man agrees personal terms with Liverpool
talkSPORT.com brings you all the latest football news, transfer gossip and reaction to the biggest stories.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Houston Dynamo - prediction, team news, lineups
The Los Angeles Galaxy will play three of their next four MLS encounters at Dignity Health Sports Park, beginning on Saturday when they host the Houston Dynamo.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Plymouth Argyle vs. Blackburn Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups
Fresh from thrashing Harrogate Town 8-0 in the EFL Cup, Blackburn Rovers return to Championship action with an away fixture against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Liverpool team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Aston Villa
Liverpool will endeavour to record their third Premier League victory on the bounce when they host Aston Villa at Anfield on Sunday.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Thursday's Transfer Talk Update: Sofyan Amrabat, Nuno Tavares, Cole Palmer
The transfer window is open! Clubs around the UK and Europe are getting business done as they look to give themselves the best possible chance at success in the new season.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Arsenal team news: Injury, suspension list vs. Manchester United
Arsenal seek to maintain their unbeaten start to the 2023-24 Premier League season when they host Manchester United at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Al Ittihad vs. Al-Hilal - prediction, team news, lineups
Arguably the pick of matchday four of the Saudi Professional League will take place Friday evening when Al Ittihad and Al-Hilal square off at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: Atalanta BC vs. Monza - prediction, team news, lineups
After experiencing different fortunes last weekend, regional rivals Atalanta BC and Monza meet at the Gewiss Stadium on Saturday evening.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Thursday's Copa Sudamericana predictions including Sao Paulo v. LDU Quito
Fortaleza vs. America Mineiro (Thursday, 11.00pm) On the brink of their first semi-final appearance at the Copa Sudamericana, Fortaleza will host America Mineiro on Thursday at Arena Castelao. Leao do Pici won the opening match between these two teams last week 3-1, their third successive victory away from home in this competition.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Preview: New York City FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps - prediction, team news, lineups
New York City FC have a chance to win back-to-back MLS encounters for the first time since April when they welcome the Vancouver Whitecaps to Yankee Stadium on Saturday.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Thursday's Europa League predictions including Ajax vs. Ludogorets
Qarabag vs. Ljubljana (Thursday, 5.00pm) Qarabag FK carry a 2-0 lead into the home leg of their Europa League playoff showdown with NK Olimpija Ljubljana at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium on Thursday. The Azerbaijani champions chalked up a healthy advantage in Slovenia last week, meaning that Ljubljana must overturn a sizeable deficit in Baku in order to advance.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Nottingham Forest 'agree Nicolas Dominguez, Remo Freuler swap deal with Bologna'
Nottingham Forest have reportedly agreed terms on a swap deal with Bologna between Remo Freuler and Nicolas Dominguez.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Nottingham Forest to complete Nuno Tavares, Murillo double swoop?
Nottingham Forest have reportedly agreed terms to bring defensive duo Nuno Tavares and Murillo to the club.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Odysseas Vlachodimos 'unsure about Nottingham Forest move'
Benfica goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos has reportedly expressed concerns about joining Nottingham Forest.
31 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Manchester United 'make contact over Jean-Clair Todibo'
Manchester United have reportedly made contact with Nice over the potential signing of defender Jean-Clair Todibo in the closing stages of the summer window.
30 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Lucas Ocampos move to Fulham breaks down?
Fulham's proposed transfer for Sevilla winger Lucas Ocampos has reportedly fallen through.
30 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Brighton & Hove Albion 'close in on signing of Ansu Fati on loan from Barcelona'
Brighton & Hove Albion are reportedly prepared to welcome another new face to the club, with the Seagulls closing in on the signing of Ansu Fati from Barcelona on loan.
30 August 2023
sportsmole.co.uk
Ryan Gravenberch 'agrees personal terms with Liverpool'
Liverpool have reportedly agreed personal terms with Ryan Gravenberch ahead of a potential move from Bayern Munich in the closing days of the transfer window.
Show more

Top News

11 January 2025 talksport.com Jack Grealish has finally ended his 13-month long wait for a first Manchester City goal in the club's 8-0 mauling over Salford City. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk James McAtee scored a hat-trick and Jeremy Doku produced a man-of-the-match display as Manchester City obliterated Salford City 8-0 in the third round of the FA Cup. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Villarreal will be bidding to make it successive victories in La Liga when they head to Real Sociedad on Monday evening, and this contest will represent the Yellow Submarine's first match of 2025. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid and Barcelona will lock horns in the final of the 2025 Spanish Super Cup on Sunday night. 11 January 2025 talksport.com Antony has reportedly filed an arbitration case against former club Ajax over fines imposed during his move to Manchester United. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool are all competing for the signature of Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes, according to a report. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Eintracht Frankfurt CEO Markus Krosche has confirmed that one club has "made contact" over a move to sign Omar Marmoush, amid reported interest from Manchester City. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool have reportedly slapped a £40m price tag on the head of attacker Harvey Elliott, who is on the radar of Borussia Dortmund and Brighton & Hove Albion. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Arsenal's transfer warchest is reportedly about to receive a healthy boost, as former striker Mika Biereth is on the verge of joining Ligue 1 giants Monaco. 11 January 2025 talksport.com Plymouth picked up their first away win since April 2024 to knock out Brentford in an FA Cup giant killing. 11 January 2025 talksport.com Crystal Palace have agreed a deal with Millwall for teenage winger Romain Esse, talkSPORT understands. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Chelsea booked their spot in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon courtesy of a 5-0 success over League Two outfit Morecambe at Stamford Bridge. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Divin Mubama will make his senior Manchester City debut in tonight's FA Cup third-round clash with Salford at the Etihad Stadium. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Liverpool head coach Arne Slot expects 16-year-old sensation Rio Ngumoha to "sleep well" after his historic FA Cup appearance in Saturday's 4-0 third-round win over Accrington Stanley. 11 January 2025 talksport.com Accrington Stanley's Donald Love might have a hard time getting to sleep tonight. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Diego Leon is reportedly now en route to England, as the Cerro Porteno wonderkid prepares to sign the paperwork which will make him a Manchester United player at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Jude Bellingham is fit for Sunday's Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona after suffering with muscular overload in the semi-final of the competition. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk After seeing their three-match unbeaten streak snapped by a narrow 2-1 defeat to Galatasaray, Goztepe SK will look to immediately rebound when they host Kasimpasa at the Gursel Aksel Stadium on Sunday. 11 January 2025 talksport.com Swindon's clash with Crewe has been suspended as a result of poor visibility. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Two teams aiming to avoid further setbacks in their respective campaigns will clash on Sunday as Konyaspor host Fenerbahce at the Torku Arena. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester United have reportedly stepped up their interest in Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani, with the Red Devils now pushing to sign the France international during the January transfer window. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk The defending champions meet the record winners in Sunday's FA Cup main event, as Arsenal host Manchester United in the pick of the third-round ties. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Napoli boss Antonio Conte has revealed that winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has asked to leave the club in the current transfer window. 11 January 2025 talksport.com Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is set to force through a move away from Napoli this month. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Rangers CEO Patrick Stewart has confirmed that under-fire manager Philippe Clement has the board's backing for now, but insists that results must improve with no "cast iron guarantees" offered to the Belgian. 11 January 2025 talksport.com Tottenham Hotspur have posted a job opening for a new head of its medical department as the club grapples with an ongoing injury crisis. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Monaco have reportedly entered the race to sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford before next month's transfer deadline. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Trent Alexander-Arnold scored a wonder goal as Liverpool secured safe passage into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 4-0 win over a spirited Accrington Stanley side at Anfield. 11 January 2025 talksport.com Aston Villa are in advanced talks with Celta Vigo over a move for defender Oscar Mingueza, talkSPORT understands. 11 January 2025 sportsmole.co.uk Manchester City have reportedly made quick progress over a deal to sign Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush.