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

Real Valladolid will look to make it three consecutive wins in eight days when they welcome Valencia to the Jose Zorrilla Stadium on Sunday.

Javi Gracia's Valencia are slowly becoming prime candidates for the drop having failed to win in the league in nine games, making this one of their most miserable La Liga campaigns in modern times.

Match preview

© Reuters

While Valladolid continue to prove their doubters wrong this season, their Valencian opponents look ever more likely to prove their doubters right as their poor run shows few signs of letting up in La Liga.

Last time out against Cadiz, Gracia's men looked almost certain to lose out again, only for trusted goalscorer Maxi Gomez to come to their rescue, netting a valuable equaliser in the 79th minute.

Los Che also offered their downbeat fans a glimmer of hope in midweek as they smashed minnows Yeclano Deportivo 4-1 in the second round of the Copa del Rey.

Beating Valladolid at the Jose Zorrilla Stadium could be a big ask for Valencia, who have won only one of their last 19 away games in La Liga.

© Reuters

In stark contrast, Sergio's Los Pucelanos are looking up the table after picking up a number of important wins in recent weeks against fellow strugglers Getafe and Osasuna.

Much like Gracia's men, Valladolid also progressed to the next round of the cup during the week, when they edged past Marbella in extra time, with the scoreline finishing 3-2 to the visitors.

Sergio will be quietly concerned at the prospect of entertaining Valencia, considering that his side have not beaten Los Che at home since 2003.

If Valladolid do manage to put an end to their bad run of form against Valencia, it will undoubtedly be due to a close-range effort; Sergio's side are yet to score from outside of the box this season.

Real Valladolid La Liga form: LWDLDW Real Valladolid form (all competitions): WDLDWW

Valencia La Liga form: LLLDDL Valencia form (all competitions): WDLLDW

Team News

© Reuters

Having played 120 minutes of football in the week, it remains to be seen whether Sergio's men will be firing on all cylinders coming into this tie.

As for absentees, Sergio will likely be without a host of players such as Marcos de Sousa, Fabian Orellana, Raul Garcia and Joaquin Fernandez, who are all doubts for this game.

In comparison, Gracia will be without Kevin Gameiro, who was forced off with a hamstring injury against Cadiz.

Other absentees for Valencia include Gabriel Paulista and Uros Racic, who are both out with minor injuries. Jason and Goncalo Guedes are still suspended for this tie.

Real Valladolid possible starting lineup: Masip; Perez, Bruno, Yamiq, Nacho; Felipe, Fede, Mesa, Perez, Villa; Weissman

Valencia possible starting lineup: Domenech; Correia, Diakhaby, Guillamon, Gaya; Musah, Soler, Wass, Cheryshev; Manu Vallejo, Maxi Gomez

We say: Real Valladolid 0-2 Valencia

As poor as Valencia have been so far this season, there is a sense that Gracia's side is something of a dormant beast that is more than capable of pulling off the spectacular. We think Los Che might just come alive in this one.

Top betting tip