Valencia vs Espanyol Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 24 January

Valencia vs Espanyol Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips: On Saturday, 24 January, Valencia will host Espanyol at the iconic Estadio Mestalla in a crucial LaLiga encounter. As both teams compete for valuable points in the league standings, this match promises to be a significant fixture in their respective campaigns. Valencia, playing on home turf, will look to capitalise on their familiarity with the Mestalla, while Espanyol aim to challenge their hosts and secure an away victory.

The clash between Valencia and Espanyol is more than just another league game; it is a pivotal moment in the LaLiga season. Valencia’s home advantage at the Estadio Mestalla could play a crucial role, but Espanyol’s determination to climb the league table adds an intriguing dynamic to the match-up. With both teams eager to improve their positions, fans can expect a competitive and engaging match on Saturday.

Valencia vs Espanyol Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Most goals in the second half	2.15

Given the current form and historical match-ups, our recommended betting tip is a draw at full time. Valencia have a strong record at home with four draws in their last five home games, and Espanyol have shown good away form despite their recent struggles.

• Valencia have drawn four of their last five home games, indicating a tendency towards evenly matched contests at their ground.
• Espanyol have scored in 78% of their away matches this season, showing they can compete effectively on the road.
• Both teams’ recent form and their last encounter, which also ended in a draw, support the likelihood of an evenly contested match.

Betting Odds

Valencia are stepping onto the pitch at Estadio Mestalla as the favourites with odds of 2.39, but Espanyol are not far behind at 3.05. The draw is priced at 3.17, indicating that the bookmakers expect a closely contested match.

Betting Tip	Odds
Valencia to win	2.39
Draw	3.17
Espanyol to win	3.05

For those looking to place a bet, keep an eye on the over 2.5 goals market, as both teams have shown attacking prowess in recent fixtures. The odds suggest a potential for both sides to find the back of the net, making the ‘both teams to score’ market an attractive option.

Valencia Analysis & Past Performance

Valencia’s recent form has seen them achieve mixed results, winning two, drawing two, and losing one in their last five matches. Notably, they secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Getafe in their most recent outing, showcasing their ability to grind out results.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Getafe	Valencia	0 – 1 (Win)	LaLiga	18 Jan 2026
Burgos CF	Valencia	0 – 2 (Win)	Copa del Rey	15 Jan 2026
Valencia	Elche	1 – 1 (Draw)	LaLiga	10 Jan 2026
Celta Vigo	Valencia	4 – 1 (Loss)	LaLiga	3 Jan 2026
Valencia	Mallorca	1 – 1 (Draw)	LaLiga	19 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Valencia’s attack has averaged 1.20 goals per game over the last five matches, while conceding an average of 1.20 goals per game, highlighting a need for improved defensive solidity. Despite scoring consistently in each of their last five games, they have managed only two clean sheets, which remains an area for tactical improvement.

Valencia have shown resilience at home, drawing four of their last five games at the Mestalla, with only one win. Their home win ratio stands at 20%, indicating room for improvement in capitalising on home advantage. Hugo Duro remains a key attacking threat, having netted six goals this season.

Currently positioned 17th in LaLiga with 20 points, Valencia are in the bottom tier and must strengthen both defensively and offensively to climb the league standings. Their current performance metrics suggest the need for tactical adjustments, particularly in tightening their defensive lines while maintaining their attacking verve.

• WWDLD

Valencia Suspensions & Injuries

Valencia face a significant challenge with José Gayà suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards, which disrupts their defensive stability. Cristian Rivero is also out following a red card, leaving Valencia without a backup for Stole Dimitrievski in goal. This could force tactical adjustments in their defensive line-up, possibly requiring Jesús Vázquez to cover Gayà’s absence.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
José Gayà	Yellow cards	1	Unknown
Cristian Rivero	Red card	3	Unknown

Injuries further complicate Valencia’s preparations with key players such as Mouctar Diakhaby and Julen Agirrezabala sidelined with hamstring issues. Thierry Correia and César Tárrega are also out, though their return is anticipated in early February, offering a glimmer of hope for squad depth restoration soon. Eray Cömert is doubtful with a thigh injury but is still named in the starting line-up, indicating Valencia’s stretched resources.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Julen Agirrezabala	Hamstring injury	Mid February 2026
Mouctar Diakhaby	Hamstring injury	Unknown
Thierry Correia	Hamstring injury	Early February 2026
Daniel Raba	Achilles tendon injury	Unknown
César Tárrega	Knee injury	Early February 2026
Eray Cömert	Thigh injury	Doubtful

The absence of these players could lead to tactical shifts, possibly impacting Valencia’s ability to maintain their usual defensive solidity. With limited depth in key areas, Valencia may adopt a more conservative approach against Espanyol, focusing on midfield control to mitigate defensive vulnerabilities.

Valencia Key Players

Valencia will rely heavily on Hugo Duro, their top scorer with six goals this season, to spearhead their attack against Espanyol. Duro’s clinical finishing and intelligent movement make him a constant threat in the final third. His ability to exploit spaces and his knack for being in the right place at the right time will be crucial for Valencia’s offensive strategy.

In midfield, the creativity and playmaking skills of Arnaut Danjuma and Pepelu could prove pivotal. Danjuma, known for his pace and dribbling, can stretch the opposition’s defence, while Pepelu’s ability to control the tempo and distribute the ball effectively will be vital in transitioning from defence to attack. On the defensive end, Stole Dimitrievski’s presence in goal provides a reassuring figure for the backline, with his shot-stopping ability expected to be tested.

Expected line-up for Valencia

• Goalkeeper: Stole Dimitrievski
• Defence: Dimitri Foulquier, José Copete, Jesús Vázquez, Eray Cömert
• Midfield: Luis Rioja, Filip Ugrinic, Pepelu, Arnaut Danjuma
• Forward: Lucas Beltrán, Umar Sadiq

Valencia Tactics and Formation

Valencia Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Umar Sadiq
• Midfield Engine: Filip Ugrinic and Pepelu
• Defensive Challenge: Absence of César Tárrega and Mouctar Diakhaby due to injuries
• Notable Strategy: Utilising wide areas for offensive plays

Valencia’s 4-4-2 formation under Carlos Corberán focuses on a balanced approach, leveraging both defensive solidity and attacking prowess. The absence of César Tárrega necessitates Jesús Vázquez’s inclusion in the defensive line alongside Dimitri Foulquier and Eray Cömert. This may affect their ability to maintain clean sheets, given recent defensive inconsistencies.

In midfield, Filip Ugrinic and Pepelu form a robust partnership, tasked with controlling the tempo and transitioning play effectively. Arnaut Danjuma and Luis Rioja provide width and directness on the flanks, crucial in stretching opposition defences and creating goal-scoring opportunities.

Offensively, the strike partnership of Lucas Beltrán and Umar Sadiq aims to exploit gaps in the opposition’s backline. Sadiq’s physical presence and Beltrán’s agility provide a versatile attacking threat, capable of breaking down defences, especially during counter-attacks.

Espanyol Analysis & Past Performance

Espanyol’s recent form has been somewhat inconsistent, with a record of two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five matches. They currently sit 5th in LaLiga with 34 points, demonstrating a competitive edge despite recent setbacks such as the 0-2 home loss to Girona.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Espanyol	Girona	0 – 2 (Loss)	LaLiga	16 Jan 2026
Levante	Espanyol	1 – 1 (Draw)	LaLiga	11 Jan 2026
Espanyol	Barcelona	0 – 2 (Loss)	LaLiga	3 Jan 2026
Athletic Club	Espanyol	1 – 2 (Win)	LaLiga	22 Dec 2025
Getafe	Espanyol	0 – 1 (Win)	LaLiga	13 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
In their last five games, Espanyol have averaged 0.80 goals scored per match, with a slightly higher goals conceded average of 1.20. Their offensive output has been modest, scoring in just three of their last five fixtures. Defensively, they have managed one clean sheet but have conceded in four out of five matches.

Espanyol’s away performance has been more promising, achieving three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five games on the road. This away form is underlined by a 60% win ratio, highlighting their strength in away fixtures. The team have shown resilience, maintaining a solid presence in challenging away environments.

Tactically, Espanyol’s reliance on Pere Milla, their top scorer with six goals, suggests a need for broader attacking contributions. The team have shown a reasonable balance but could improve their defensive consistency to maintain their upper-table position.

• LDLWW

Espanyol Suspensions & Injuries

Espanyol will face Valencia without the services of Omar El Hilali, who is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. His absence in defence could force coach Manolo González to rely on Rubén Sánchez to fill in at right-back, potentially altering the team’s defensive dynamics. This change might affect Espanyol’s ability to counter Valencia’s attacking threats, as El Hilali’s defensive prowess and experience will be missed.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Omar El Hilali	Yellow cards	1	Unknown

Javi Puado’s long-term cruciate ligament injury continues to limit Espanyol’s attacking options. Although Puado’s absence has been a season-long challenge, the team have managed to adapt without him so far. However, his creativity and goal-scoring ability are certainly missed, and the onus will be on players such as Edu Expósito and Roberto Fernández to step up and provide the necessary firepower.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Javi Puado	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season

Espanyol Key Players

Espanyol’s attack will be spearheaded by their top scorer, Pere Milla, who has netted six goals this season. Milla’s ability to find the back of the net from midfield positions adds a dynamic edge to Espanyol’s offensive play. His knack for breaking into the box at the right moments will be crucial against Valencia’s defence. Supporting him in midfield, Tyrhys Dolan brings creative flair and energy, capable of unlocking defences with his vision and dribbling skills.

Defensively, the partnership of Fernando Calero and Leandro Cabrera is vital. Their experience and leadership at the back provide stability and resilience, essential for keeping Valencia’s forwards at bay. In goal, Marko Dmitrović’s shot-stopping abilities will be key in ensuring Espanyol can withstand any attacking threats.

• Goalkeeper: Marko Dmitrović
• Defence: Rubén Sánchez, Fernando Calero, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero
• Midfield: Urko González de Zárate, Tyrhys Dolan, Edu Expósito, Pere Milla, Pol Lozano
• Forward: Roberto Fernández

Espanyol’s tactical approach will likely focus on a balanced strategy, utilising Milla’s goal-scoring prowess and Dolan’s creativity to exploit gaps in Valencia’s defence. The defensive solidity provided by Calero and Cabrera will aim to neutralise Valencia’s attacking threats, while Dmitrović’s consistency in goal will be a reassuring presence for the team.

Espanyol Tactics and Formation

Espanyol Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Roberto Fernández
• Midfield Pivot: Urko González de Zárate and Tyrhys Dolan
• Defensive Setup: Defensive line led by Fernando Calero and Leandro Cabrera
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on maintaining possession and exploiting spaces in wide areas.

Espanyol’s 4-2-3-1 formation is structured to maintain possession and control the tempo of the game. Urko González de Zárate and Tyrhys Dolan play pivotal roles in the double pivot, tasked with breaking up opposition plays and transitioning the ball forward. Pere Milla, as the central attacking midfielder, adds creativity and vision, supporting lone striker Roberto Fernández.

Defensively, Espanyol rely on the experienced pairing of Fernando Calero and Leandro Cabrera at centre-back, with Rubén Sánchez and Carlos Romero providing width from the full-back positions. Despite conceding six goals in their last five matches, their defensive organisation remains a key component of their strategy.

Offensively, Espanyol focus on utilising the width of the pitch, often looking to create overloads in wide areas. The absence of Javi Puado due to injury might impact their attacking depth, but Pol Lozano’s ability to drift into attacking positions offers an alternative threat. Their recent lack of clean sheets indicates a need for improved defensive resilience.

Valencia vs Espanyol Head-to-Head Record

Valencia and Espanyol have faced off 50 times, with Valencia leading the head-to-head record with 24 wins compared to Espanyol’s 13, and 13 matches ending in a draw. The last encounter was a thrilling 2-2 draw at Espanyol’s ground in September 2025, showcasing the competitive nature of their recent clashes.

When these two met at the Mestalla last April, it ended in a 1-1 draw, highlighting Valencia’s struggle to secure a home win against Espanyol recently. Historically, Valencia have been stronger at home, but recent results suggest Espanyol have been tough to break down.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	League	Date
Espanyol	Valencia	2 – 2	LaLiga	2025-09-23
Valencia	Espanyol	1 – 1	LaLiga	2025-04-22
Espanyol	Valencia	1 – 1	LaLiga	2024-12-18
Valencia	Espanyol	2 – 2	LaLiga	2023-05-28
Espanyol	Valencia	2 – 2	LaLiga	2022-10-02