Neville’s Valencia vying for Real success in La Liga liaison
Published:
Lee Gormley | January 2, 2015
Valencia v Real Madrid
- La Liga
- Sunday, January 3rd
- Kick-off: 19:30 GMT
- Mestalla Stadium, Valencia
- Live on Sky Sports 3
Neville’s Valencia vying for Real success
Gary Neville’s Valencia will look to bounce back from a hurtful defeat at the hands of Villarreal when they host Real Madrid on Sunday night, but the club have only managed one fixture win since 2009.
The new Los Che boss has endured an indifferent start to life in Spain in his maiden managerial role, winning just one game to date, as he looks to guide the La Liga outfit further up the domestic standings.
On home soil in this Spanish league meeting, Valencia are 5/1 with Coral to secure their first La Liga victory under the former Manchester United defender, while Los Blancos are 21/10 for a in to nil.
Real threat to Los Che
The hosts rallied to an impressive fourth-place finish last season but have so far failed to rediscover their previous form, currently occupying a less encouraging 10th position, 11 points adrift of a Champions League spot.
They earned a shock 2-1 victory over Real last term on home turf but face a tough task of emulating that league success this time around, after a poor run of form which has seen them go six La Liga outings without picking up three points.
Among the Galacticos ranks, Cristiano Ronaldo is 5/2 to dispatch two or more goals after bagging a brace in his previous two appearances against Rayo Vallecano and Real Sociedad. Meanwhile, Welsh winger Gareth Bale is 5/1 to open proceedings this time out.
Alcacer key to Neville success
The visiting Madrid side hold plenty of attacking danger towards Neville’s hosts, but Los Che have enough firepower of their own and are capable of causing another upset in front of their home fans.
Spanish striker Paco Alcacer is regarded as one of the most promising starlets in Europe and will be decisive in any success Neville is to enjoy during his stint as Valencia boss. The Los Che marksman is 9/5 to get on the scoresheet at anytime, with former Manchester City frontman Alvaro Negredo 23/10 to strike on home soil.
Madrid are aiming to keep up the pace with city rivals Atletico Madrid and league leaders Barcelona with a win on their travels to Valencia, while Neville’s men look to overturn a hapless run of form in this Sunday night La Liga liaison.
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Coral’s top tip: Back Cristiano Ronaldo to strike two or more for Real Madrid against Valencia at 5/2.
