Real Madrid have been devastatingly efficient in the final third recently, and they should come into this clash full of confidence. They secured a convincing 3-0 win against Racing Santander last weekend, after beating Barcelona 2-1 at the Nou Camp. Los Blancos still have plenty to play for here as they aim to close the gap on their rivals at the top of the table.

Even though Valencia will have home advantage this weekend, it looks like a daunting matchup for them. Los Ches are currently battling in the relegation zone, having won just two of their opening 11 league matches. With 17 goals conceded, they have been far from watertight at the back, which spells danger against a side like Real Madrid.

Guido Rodriguez has been a key contributor to Valencia’s poor disciplinary record this season, and he has 14 fouls committed from just eight starts this campaign. The Argentine international has been booked three times in that stretch, averaging 1.88 fouls per 90.

Last season, Rodriguez had an average of 1.44 fouls per 90 across all competitions, which shows how he has been a lot more intense in his press this term. He didn’t start either game against Real Madrid, but did rack up five fouls against Barcelona at home, which shows how he struggled in tougher matchups. He should find duels against Jude Bellingham in midfield this weekend - the English international is averaging 3.11 fouls drawn per 90 in the league.

Valencia come into this clash as massive underdogs, but if they are to find any success in the final third, Arnaut Danjuma will have to play a considerable role. The former Spurs man is averaging 1.93 shots per 90 in La Liga this term, which is one of the highest figures in the Valencia squad, and he is expected to lead the line. Danjuma will be quite isolated at times, but he has the tools to exploit Madrid’s high line, and the 29-year-old isn’t afraid to try his luck from distance.

Valencia lost 5-0 against Barcelona at home in September, and they managed just three shots as a team, but Danjuma accounted for all three.

When Valencia did break forward, it was Danjuma who they typically looked for. However, it is likely to be one-way traffic for the majority of this contest at the Mestalla. Barcelona recorded 73% possession against Los Ches, carving out 25 shots of which ten hit the target. Valencia are unlikely to be able to keep Los Blancos at bay, and Kylian Mbappe should be licking his lips at the prospect of this matchup.

The Frenchman already has 12 goals from 12 starts in the league this season, but he still has some catching up to do. Raphinha is at 15 goals, so Mbappe will be motivated to close that gap, and this is an excellent matchup to do so.