Real Madrid return from the winter break on Friday evening and travel to Valencia in La Liga.

Los Blancos have not played since their 4-2 win over Sevilla before Christmas but are making their home comeback at Mestalla. That game was previously postponed in November following deadly flooding in the Valencia region, but has been rescheduled for Friday evening.

Madrid are aware of the importance of a win in Valencia and are in first place with three points ahead of local rivals Atlético Madrid. It also marks the start of three games in seven days, with the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana games taking place in quick succession.

Los Che will not be happy with the suggestion of visiting Madrid. Former West Bromwich Albion coach Carlos Corberan will take charge of his first game against Valencia, who are in 19th place and are winless in their last five La Liga games.

Here is 90 minutes Guide to Valencia vs Madrid.

Valencia vs. Real Madrid H2H record (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

Corberan was greeted by a packed treatment room upon his arrival in Valencia, with Mouctar Diakhaby, Jose Gaya and Thierry Correia missing from the defence. The latter will be out for the rest of the campaign.

Fran Perez and Rafa Mir are both questionable and star goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili could also be out again. The Georgian has not played since the beginning of December and is battling a thigh injury.

Influential midfielder Pepelu will be unavailable due to suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Deportivo Alaves before the winter break.

Expected line-up for Valencia against Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Dimitrievski; Foulquier, Mosquera, Gasiorowski, Rioja; Barrenechea, Guerra; Canos, Almeida, Lopez; Duro.

Carlo Ancelotti is still without three key defenders ahead of Friday’s clash. Strengthening the defense is likely to be a top priority for new signings in January. Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao are out for the season, while David Alaba is not expected to return until later in the month after a long injury layoff.

Vinicius Junior will return to the starting XI after missing the win over Sevilla due to suspension and will be joined by Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe in the starting XI. The latter is starting to turn things around after a difficult start in Spain.

Aurelien Tchouameni is expected to take over central defense again after his injuries, while Eduardo Camavinga will move into defensive midfield. Fran Garcia could also start at left-back in place of the out-of-form Ferland Mendy.

Expected lineup of Real Madrid against Valencia (4-3-3): Courtois; Vazquez, Tchouameni, Rüdiger, Garcia; Valverde, Camavinga, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius.

Corberan will be hoping to find immediate success in Valencia, but injuries and a general lack of quality in key areas mean another defeat is on the cards this Friday. The hosts have won just two games in La Liga – the fewest of any team in the league – and have collected just nine points from eight home games.

Madrid have been inconsistent away from home this season, winning four games, drawing four and losing one of their nine games. However, with a wealth of attacking options at their disposal, they should have enough firepower to convincingly defeat Valencia.

Prediction: Valencia – Real Madrid 1:3

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