Latest Team News and Injuries
Valencia's squad faces challenges ahead of the Mallorca game. César Tarrega returns from suspension, reclaiming his starting role in defense after yellow card accumulation. However, Mouctar Diakhaby remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, progressing but unavailable tonight.
Flu-like symptoms have affected several players recently. Luis Rioja is out, recovering for future matches, while Javier Guerra has overcome illness and is available, though fitness may limit him to a substitute role. Jose Gaya could feature from the bench after flu recovery.
These updates come from recent training sessions on December 18, where the team prepared intensely. Corberán emphasized eagerness to deliver for fans in this emotional year-end fixture.
Match Preview and Prediction
Valencia hosts Mallorca with odds favoring a narrow home win: Valencia moneyline at -101, draw +223, and Mallorca +308. Predicted scoreline is 2-1 to Valencia, reflecting their 15 goals scored (13th in La Liga) against Mallorca's 18 (11th).
Hugo Duro leads with 5 goals in 16 games, supported by Arnaut Danjuma (3 goals) and Diego Lopez (3 goals). Mallorca's Vedat Muriqi tops their chart with 9 goals, posing a threat, but Valencia's home form could edge it.
Statistically, Valencia ranks 13th in shots (151) but 17th in goals allowed (25), highlighting defensive focus. A win would provide momentum into 2026 amid ongoing transfer talks for a new forward.
Club Updates and Future Prospects
Recent highlights include reactions to the Sporting Gijon victory, with Guillot, Claramunt, Javi Guerra, and Tarrega featured in promotional content. The president's address at the shareholders' meeting rallied fans.
Off-field, Valencia negotiates its first January signing, targeting a forward to bolster attack. Financial health, ending 2024-25 in profit, aids stability under owner Peter Lim despite past challenges.
Manager Rubén Baraja's predecessor era saw relegation battles, but Corberán's tenure shows promise. Tonight's result could define their season trajectory.