Preview: Real Valladolid vs. Alaves - prediction, team news, lineups

Alaves will be looking to end a run of four straight La Liga defeats when they travel to Real Valladolid in Spain's top flight on Saturday evening.

The hosts have dropped into 15th position in the table during a poor run of form, while Valladolid currently occupy 14th, just one point ahead of their opponents this weekend.

Match preview

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Valladolid finished 16th in La Liga last season on their return to the top flight, and it does appear that they could end the 2019-20 campaign in a similar position.

Indeed, a record of seven wins, 15 draws and 11 defeats has brought Sergio Gonzalez 's side 36 points, leaving them in 14th spot in the table, seven points clear of the relegation zone.

It is difficult to imagine Pucela being dragged into trouble at this stage, although they have only won once since the lockdown period, which came away to Leganes on June 13.

Valladolid have actually drawn four of their last five in Spain's top flight, including a 0-0 against Levante on Wednesday night, while they have also shared the points with Sevilla and Getafe since losing to Atletico Madrid.

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Alaves, meanwhile, are really struggling for form at the moment, having lost each of their last four in La Liga, including a thumping 6-0 defeat at Celta Vigo on June 21.

The Basque side will enter this match off the back of a 2-0 home defeat to Granada, and the team's disappointing run of form has seen them drop into 15th spot in the table.

Alaves are six points clear of the relegation zone but another poor result this weekend could leave them looking over their shoulders, particularly as 18th-placed Mallorca enjoyed a thumping win over Celta during the week.

Asier Garitano 's side are bidding to secure a fifth straight season at this level of football, while they will be looking to do the double over Valladolid, having run out 3-0 winners in the reverse game back in November.

Valladolid La Liga form: WDLDDD

Alaves La Liga form: LWLLLL

Team News

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Valladolid will again be without the services of Jose Antonio Caro and Matheus Fernandes through injury, while Pedro Porro and Sandro Ramirez remain doubts for the home side.

Sergi Guardiola and Toni Suarez were both named on the bench against Levante during the week, but the pair are expected to return to the starting XI for Saturday's contest.

There are not expected to be wholesale changes, though, with the likes of Oscar Plano and Ruben Alcaraz set to keep their spots in the team.

Mohammed Salisu, who has drawn admiring glances from plenty of clubs due to his form this season, will also retain his position for the home side.

As for Alaves, Fernando Pacheco is still out with a muscular problem, but the Basque side are otherwise in good shape when it comes to injuries.

Former Premier League attackers Lucas Perez and Joselu should continue as the front two in a 4-4-2 formation, although Garitano could choose to freshen the wide positions with Edgar Mendez in line to start.

Pere Pons is also an option for change, although Aleix Vidal should keep his position in the XI.

Valladolid possible starting lineup:

Masip; Martinez, Salisu, Olivas, Antonito; Alcaraz, Michel; Suarez, Plano, Guardiola; Unal

Alaves possible starting lineup:

Jimenez; Navarro, Laguardia, Magellan, Duarte; Mendez, Pina, Camarasa, Vidal; Perez, Joselu

We say: Real Valladolid 0-0 Alaves

Valladolid have been the draw specialists in recent matches, while Alaves will be desperate to stop their run of defeats. There is not awful lot between the two sides in terms of quality, and we are finding it difficult to separate them, therefore backing a goalless draw at the Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla.