Real Madrid vs Valencia Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this La Liga clash between the league leaders and the lads struggling at the wrong end of the table. Real Madrid are absolutely flying at the moment, sitting pretty at the top with 27 points from 10 games. Their form's been proper tasty - 9 wins in their last 10 matches, including that cracking 2-1 victory over Barcelona. At home, they're unbeaten in their last 5, winning every single match. They're banging in 2.4 goals per game and keeping it tight at the back with 4 clean sheets in their last 10.

Valencia, on the other hand, are having a right old time of it down in 18th place. Just 9 points from 10 games tells its own story, doesn't it? Away from home, they've been proper poor - winning only 1 of their last 6 away matches. They did put 5 past Maracena in the cup, but let's be honest, that's not exactly setting the world alight. In the league, they've managed just 1.4 goals per game while shipping 1.5. That 6-0 hammering by Barcelona back in September shows what can happen when they come up against top-quality opposition.

When these two have met before, it's been Real Madrid who've generally come out on top, winning 5 of the 9 meetings. But here's the interesting bit - in 7 of those 9 matches, both teams have found the net. And looking at recent form, Real Madrid have been conceding regularly (only 4 clean sheets in 10), while Valencia have managed to score in 3 of their last 5 away games.

The stats show Real Madrid are averaging 21 shots per game compared to Valencia's 9.56, and they're dominating possession with 58.7% vs Valencia's 47%. But Valencia have kept 4 clean sheets in their last 10, so they're not completely shambolic at the back.

The odds have Real Madrid as heavy favorites at 1.23, which seems about right given their form and home advantage. But for value, I'm looking at both teams to score at 1.97. Real Madrid's attack is relentless, but their defence isn't impenetrable, and Valencia might just nick one on the counter.