Prediction: Valencia vs Elche – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts
Verdict: Draw
Best Odds: 11/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
In dire need of a way out of the relegation zone this Saturday night, Valencia is set to host Elche at the Mestalla.
Valencia
Beginning with the hosts, although Valencia may have experienced an initial uplift following Carlos Corberan’s onset at the Mestalla 13 months ago, Los Ches suddenly find themselves amidst a significant public struggle. They have faced intense criticism since the onset of the 2025/26 season, placing the former West Brom manager under great pressure. Last observed suffering a dismal defeat away at Celta Vigo, where they succumbed to a 4-1 loss as the New Year commenced, Valencia enters Saturday’s clash two points below La Liga safety. In the crucial fight to evade what would become a notorious top-flight relegation, the Bats fully realize that they are in a must-win situation when they return to the Mestalla on Saturday evening.
Valencia Team News
Following a costly second-half booking during the visit to Celta Vigo last weekend, former Real Madrid youth player Hugo Duro will face a one-match suspension for this match. Additionally, the hosts are once again concerned about the fitness of North Macedonian international Stole Dimitrievski, who is dealing with a recent groin issue. Having transferred from Villarreal this summer, ex-Bournemouth star Arnaut Danjuma may potentially make his first La Liga start since December 7th. Although he has only netted once in the top flight this season, Lucas Beltran is likely to retain his position at the forefront.
Elche
Turning to the visitors, even though Elche has just returned to La Liga this season, Eder Sarabia’s squad has undeniably garnered ample praise from Spain’s top tier. However, despite concluding 2025 with an impressive 4-0 victory at home against Rayo Vallecano, Los Franjiverdes faced a harsh reality check in their most recent match. Opening the New Year with a disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Villarreal, Saturday’s visitors are searching for recent stability. Despite unexpectedly beginning this weekend’s matches competing in the upper half of the La Liga standings, Elche has only managed to secure two victories from their last 10 La Liga games—a downturn that began all the way back on September 28th.
Elche Team News
Once again unable to feature against Villarreal last weekend, Elche is still concerned about the availability of former AC Milan forward Andre Silva for Saturday’s match. However, Federico Redondo Solari, who made a permanent move from MLS champions Inter Miami, will be rejoining Sarabia’s squad. After making a brief appearance off the bench last week following a muscle problem, one-time West Ham prospect Grady Diangana is expected to see more minutes. Having scored six La Liga goals this season, former Valencia striker Rafa Mir will spearhead the attack.
Key Factors to Consider
- In their last encounter in April 2023, Valencia defeated Elche 2-0 at the Estadio Martinez Valero.
- At the start of Saturday’s fixture, Valencia is in the relegation zone with only one win from their last 13 La Liga matches.
- Elche has managed just two victories in their last 10 La Liga outings—a streak that dates back to September 28th.
- Visitors have collected only three points across their eight away matches in La Liga this season.
- All of Valencia’s past five consecutive matches at the Mestalla have concluded with fewer than 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Entering Saturday’s match two points away from La Liga safety, Valencia faces enormous pressure. After starting the year with a disheartening 4-1 loss against Celta Vigo, Los Ches have recorded only a single win in their past 14 La Liga appearances, and another loss on Saturday could be the final blow for Corberan’s tenure.
Verdict: Draw
Best Odds: 11/5
Bookmaker: Luckster
Published: 2026-01-08 18:00:00
source: www.soccernews.com
