Preview: Valencia vs. Real Madrid

Valencia play their first La Liga clash since sacking head coach Miraslov Djukic, who lasted less than six months at the club.

The Spanish outfit will take on Real Madrid on home turf in a bid to move towards the top six of the table after picking up 20 points from 16 games.

Nico Estevez will take charge of the team this weekend against Madrid, who are five points off the pace in the title race with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid leading the way.

The home side have lost three, won two and drawn one in their last six encounters, their latest result a 3-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid.

As for Real, they failed to move closer to the top as a result of a 2-2 draw with Osasuna in their last league match, but the red card issued to Sergio Ramos during the game has been rescinded.

Valencia could be without Ricardo Costa for the encounter due to a hamstring problem, while Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be fit.

Recent form

Valencia: LWDLWL

Real Madrid: WWWWWD

Possible starting lineups

Valencia: Moya; Lago, Alexis, Rafa, Arroyo; Mosquera, Borja; Castro, Sarabia, Leon; Marica

Real Madrid: Pinto; Alves, Puyol, Bartra, Alba; Busquets, Fabregas, Iniesta; Sanchez, Neymar, Pedro

Sports Mole says: 1-2