The first fixtures of the new year in Spain take place this weekend and on Monday the 4th of January we have a meeting between Valencia and Cadiz to enjoy at the Estadio de Mestalla.
The hosts will begin this game in 17th place, just one place above the relegation zone while the visitors are 4 points better off than their opponents, with 19 points to their name.
Valencia come into this match having suffered a 2-1 defeat at Granada following the Christmas break. Having taken the lead in the 36th minute, Valencia conceded a goal just before half time and a second 2 minutes before the final whistle. Prior to conceding the second goal, Valencia had two players sent off.
That result means Valencia failed to win in their last 7 La Liga games. In fact, they have picked up just a single victory in their last 13 league fixtures, which is relegation form. Valencia have lost each of their last 2 La Liga games and have picked up just 3 points from the last 18 available.
Home phone shows Valencia have won only one of their last 7 La Liga matches at the Estadio de Mestalla. The victory was an excellent 4-1 result against Real Madrid but since then they have been defeated by Atletico Madrid and Sevilla. Trends show Valencia have seen both teams score in 5 of their last 8 home league matches.
Cadiz come into the game having picked up a point in a 0-0 draw at home against Real Valladolid. It was an important point having previously lost 2 games in succession against Getafe at home and Real Betis away.
Cadiz have won only one of their last 8 La Liga games but it was an excellent 2-1 victory at home against Barcelona.
Away from shows Cadiz have been struggling to win games and they have failed to pick up a victory in their last 4 away La Liga matches. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in those 4 games and have scored just a single goal themselves.
Interestingly, trends show Cadiz tend to either win or draw when playing away from home in La Liga. There has been just a single draw from their last 15 away La Liga games.
Team news and Valencia will be without the injured trio of Uros Racic, Hugo Guillamón, and Jasper Cillessen. There are also doubts over the fitness of central defender Gabriel Paulista, while Gonçalo Guedes and Jason are suspended.
Cadiz travel without Luismi Quezada and José Mari who are both injured. Salvi Sánchez is unavailable due to COVID-19.
Valencia know they need to start winning games if they are to move up the table and this would be a good place to begin. Cadiz have been struggling away from home in recent matches and although they may find the back of the net in this game, we expect to see Valencia come out on top to take maximum points.