Las Palmas vs Valencia Preview

Both Las Palmas and Valencia meet on Saturday with their proximity to the relegation zone in mind. The home side lie 18th, two points behind currently surviving Deportivo Alaves, and seven behind 14th placed Valencia.

The visitors know that a win here will virtually seal La Liga football next season, and while relegation fears at the club never grew too severe, they will be grateful to win this game nonetheless.

For Las Palmas, it is now a matter of fighting for the right to be labelled a top flight side next season. They have a comfortable run in, with Valencia and Sevilla posing the two biggest challenges. However, they only have five games left, and need to start that run with a positive result.

As the game approaches, here is everything you need to know about both sides ahead of kick-off.

Where to Watch

This game will be shown on La Liga TV and Premier Sports 2, with kick-off scheduled for 17:30 GMT.

Key Statistics

• Despite sitting five places below Valencia, Las Palmas have scored more La Liga goals than their opponents, netting 38 in comparison to Valencia’s 37.
• They have also won three of their last four meetings with Valencia, scoring seven goals across their trio of victories.
• Valencia have been on a superb run of form to take them clear of the relegation zone, avoiding defeat in their last eight fixtures (W4 D4).
• They have only scored nine of their goals from set piece and dead ball scenarios, the fourth lowest figure in the league.

Las Palmas Preview

Las Palmas Predicted Lineup (4-4-2): Dinko Horkas (GK); Mik Marmol, Scott McKenna, Alex Suarez, Viti; Alberto Moleiro, Dario Essugo, Stefan Bajcetic, Marvin Park; Ollie McBurnie, Sandro Ramirez.

Despite their lowly league position, Las Palmas have some considerable talent at their disposal. Their midfield is particularly classy, with 20-year-old future Chelsea player Dario Essugo and Liverpool upstart Stefan Bajcetic, both of whom provide a more than passable shuttle in the middle of the park.

The issue Las Palmas have is the lack of experience, not just in midfield, but across the pitch. Across the midfield four of their last starting eleven, the oldest player, Marvin Park, was 24. And they have little increase on that in other positions.

If they survive, which fans know is certainly possible with the ability they can field, they must focus on bringing in a few experienced campaigners, players who can balance the team and encourage the youngsters when things get tough. However, their number one priority is staying up in order to get that far.

Valencia Preview

Valencia Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Giorgi Mamardashvili (GK); Jose Gaya, Cristhian Mosquera, Cesar Tarrega, Dmitri Foulquier; Enzo Barrenechea, Javier Guerra; Diego Lopez, Andre Almeida, Luis Rioja; Hugo Duro.

Like Las Palmas, Valencia have some extremely promising talent on their hands. Once again, their midfield appears to be where the most ability resides, with Juventus youngster Enzo Barrenechea, home grown talent Javier Guerra, and the talented but inconsistent Andre Almeida supporting Hugo Duro up top.

Fortunately, unlike the case at Las Palmas, these youngsters seem to have been moving into second gear in recent months. Valencia, on an eight match win streak, have been driven by the hunger and spark in their youthful side, led by Guerra, who has notched 2 in his last three.

When they eventually secure safety, attention will turn to next season. With a campaign under their belts providing them with invaluable experience, the youthful players in the team this season will be bolstered by summer movement, and by their desire to improve upon this season's showing, as their team is simply too good to sit in 14th.

Las Palmas vs Valencia Head to Head

Recent Meetings:

• 21/10/2024: Valencia 2-3 Las Palmas.
• 10/02/2024: Las Palmas 2-0 Valencia.
• 18/08/2023: Valencia 1-0 Las Palmas.
• 20/01/2018: Las Palmas 2-1 Valencia.
• 09/01/2018: Valencia 4-0 Las Palmas.

Las Palmas vs Valencia Betting Tip

Relegation can affect many teams. Some just roll over and accept their fate, too weak to fight the strength of the rest of the league. But Las Palmas are just too points from safety, and if their performance over Atletico Madrid two weeks ago was anything to go by, they are going to bite, claw and scratch to get what they need.

They will make life difficult for Valencia, especially with the home advantage. We think they will have the lead going into half time. But Valencia won’t go away quietly, and will net a goal of their own, thus both teams will score.

Las Palmas vs Valencia Prediction

Las Palmas 2-2 Valencia

The two sides know how to make a game interesting, so we reckon it will be a three goal first half, with Las Palmas leading at the break. But in the second half, Valencia will take control, and will net an equaliser, setting up a grandstand finish.