On Sunday afternoon, Valencia host Atletico Madrid at the Mestalla, as the reigning champions look to catch up to the teams at the top of La Liga.

VALENCIA

This season has been a rollercoaster for Los Che. The home team started the campaign in decent form before a recent decent run of form saw Jose Bordalas’ team go seven league matches without a win. However, Valencia got back to winning ways last time out by recording a 2-0 home win over Villareal. 

The mixed start to their campaign in the Spanish top-flight has left them in 10^th place in the table, as they have picked up just 16 points from their opening ten matches in La Liga. 

Although Los Che have won just one of their last four home matches in the Spanish top-flight, they have won five of their previous eight league matches at the Mestalla.

ATLETICO MADRID

Diego Simeone’s team have not made the most convincing of starts to their title defence. However, the men from Madrid are still only three points behind league leaders Real Sociedad in the table, while having a game in hand on the team from San Sebastian. 

Los Colchoneros are unbeaten in four La Liga matches after a 3-0 home win over Real Betis last time out in the Spanish top-flight. However, Simeone’s team has won just two of their previous five league matches. 

The champions have been prolific in front of goal of late in the Spanish top-flight, scoring at least two goals in their last four matches in La Liga. 

Team News

Valencia’s only likely absentee is full-back Thierry Correia, who is struggling with a muscle injury. Meanwhile, Atletico could be without Thomas Lemar and Marcos Llorente due to various injuries.