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5 bold La Liga predictions: Real Madrid drop points against Espanyol

By Benjamin Barkworth

BILBAO, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 15: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid CF during the La Liga Santander match between Athletic de Bilbao v Real Madrid at the Estadio San Mames on September 15, 2018 in Bilbao Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
BILBAO, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 15: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid CF during the La Liga Santander match between Athletic de Bilbao v Real Madrid at the Estadio San Mames on September 15, 2018 in Bilbao Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images) /
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Goncalo Guedes of Valencia CF with the ball during the La Liga match between Valencia CF and Real Betis at Mestalla on September 15, 2018 in Valencia, Spain (Photo by David Aliaga/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Goncalo Guedes of Valencia CF with the ball during the La Liga match between Valencia CF and Real Betis at Mestalla on September 15, 2018 in Valencia, Spain (Photo by David Aliaga/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

2. Valencia claim first win of the season

Marcelino’s second season in charge at Valencia has started in disappointing fashion because they are yet to win after four games with three points in total. There were high expectations around Los Che going into the season due to their fourth-place finish last season, achieved with an energetic, counter-attacking style.

New players such as Michy Batshuayi and Denis Cheryshev are yet to settle in successfully while star signing Goncalo Guedes has only made a late substitute appearance against Real Betis so far. Bedding in new players does take time due to the links that have to be formed with new teammates as well as adjusting to the tactics. They haven’t had easy opponents either: Atletico Madrid, Espanyol, Levante and Real Betis. Juventus also visited the Mestalla in the Champions League and came away with a 2-0 win, even though Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off early on.

Villarreal have started the season in a similar manner. They only have four points and were also expected to be challenging for a top-four spot. It’s early in the season, so there’s plenty of time to turn things around, especially with Barcelona the only team not to have dropped points so far.

The Yellow Submarine may be playing at home, but they’ve been far from convincing as Juan Calleja has forced them into a narrow 4-4-2 diamond shape, which can leave them seriously exposed at times. Calleja’s inflexibility means the team’s ability is being stifled. Valencia, meanwhile, seem to be just taking a while to get into their rhythm.

Marcelino’s men should have similar kind of success as Real Sociedad did in creating high-quality chances on the counter, so the tactical mismatch should see them come away with their first win of the season. Guedes is likely to have a major impact, especially if he starts.

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