Alaves to build momentum at the Mestalla

Ninth takes on 14^th as Valencia look to eradicate the recent memory of their 3-0 drubbing by Ajax on Wednesday. Both sides have experienced a slow start to the season only managing two wins from seven games, however with contrasting fortunes in front of goal. Last term Valencia ran out comfortable 3-1 winners in this fixture, during their late run to pip Getafe to fourth spot and Champions League qualification.

Recent statistics

The Oranges have had a shaky start to the season at home, only winning once and losing their last outing as mentioned on Wednesday. Still managing to consolidate into ninth but come into this encounter with a point to prove.

The head-to-head record of late is grim reading for Alaves fans, losing six and drawing one in the last seven meetings gives little hope to a team on the up after a very promising 2018/19. They are also the joint-second lowest scoring team in La Liga with four goals this campaign including a recent run of three losses to nil ended by their 2-0 win over Mallorca on Sunday. A game in which new arrivals Joselu and Lucas Perez grabbed a goal.

Ones to Watch

Rodrigo Moreno is one of Albert Celades’ star performers, making key contributions as a striker, however the Spain international is yet to break his duck in La Liga despite scoring the winner at Stamford Bridge on matchday one of the Champions League group stage. He has found the net in three of his last five versus Alaves and so will see Saturday as an opportunity to get off the mark.

Joselu is joint-third top scorer in the embryonic standings, proving a clinical summer signing from Newcastle United with three goals from just four shots on target. The former Stoke City man played more of a back to goal target man role for the North East outfit and his goalscoring tally paid the price for that, having hit the ground running at the Mendizorrotza could be key to Alaves’ hopes of backing up last weeks breakthrough result with a positive one on Sunday.

Fighting on two fronts

Valencia registered a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to last-placed Leganes following a successful result in matchday one. This week they struggled with the challenge of 2018/19 semi-finalists Ajaxand therefore having put more pressure on themselves coming into this one as strong favourites. The last nine head-to-head encounters have all brought over 2.5 goals with both teams finding the net on eight of those occasions.

Following the Champions League in midweek Alaves have an easier proposition than normal in going away to Valencia, a big opportunity to build on Sunday’s desperately needed win and as a result of that they will cause problems for the hosts despite probably still leaving the Mestalla empty-handed.

Valencia – Alaves Betting Tip

Both Teams to Score with Coral at odds of 5/4.

Bet Both Teams to Score on Coral