Real Valladolid Summary
Valladolid suffered a confidence-damaging 3-0 defeat to Athletic Bilbao before the World Cup break, but the overall mood is good at the club.
In their task to stay clear of the drop zone, they would be ecstatic with a win from this game but considering the opponents, a draw is a result they would settle for at this stage.
The current mid-table position owes much to their home form, as they’re unbeaten in their last four league matches on their ground and haven’t conceded more than one on their turf since August.
Valladolid has been working hard to stay competitive during the break and were pleased with the dominant Copa del Rey win against Arenas Club where they ran out 5-1 victors.
Real Valladolid manager José Rojo Martín stated that he would be unlikely to change the system for the visit of Real Madrid. The host are missing Anuar and Olaza due to injury but it looks probable that Feddal will be available. The important towering centre-back is not 100% however and so faces a late fitness test.
Real Madrid Summary
Real Madrid will be set on a win to put the pressure on bitter rivals and league leaders Barcelona, who play on Saturday in a potentially trickly Catalan derby.
Los Blancos will not be at their strongest initially in this contest based on press reports. This as Luka Modrić, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurelién Tchouaméni were all involved in the latter stages of the World Cup and so deemed unlikely to start.
The trio has made the trip in a squad that has no important absences. Key men Benzema and Rüdiger will begin in a strong team, but not their best.
After a flying start to the season, Madrid’s pre-World Cup form was less satisfying. Boss Carlo Ancelotti has demanded the team hit the ground running so they can focus on overtaking Barcelona and regain their title.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first, where the favourite for this game is Real Madrid who is @ 1.50 to get the away victory. The draw is @ 4.75 and the big outsider is the host Valladolid. They are priced @ 6.5 to shock Madrid and grab a win.
Moving onto the Asian handicap market for this contest. Real Madrid is giving away a -1.25 / 2.02 start to the home team. Valladolid will likely be defensive-minded but fiercely motivated to make the game difficult in front of their own fans who can play their part in making the contest tough for Madrid. Valladolid is slight favourties in this market, priced @ 1.85 with their +1.25 goal start.
Looking at The Under/Over market last of all where the line is set at 3. For over @ 1.89 to stand a good chance, much will depend on the timing of the first goal should it go to Madrid. An early goal either way should see the contest open up a bit, though the line seems right here. Under is @ 1.94.
