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| PROBABLE LINE-UPS |
VALENCIA  GuaitaMiguel, Ruiz, Rami, Alba Topal, Costa Pablo Hernandez, Piatti, MathieuSoldado | REAL MADRID  Casillas Arbeloa, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo Xabi Alonso, Sahin Ozil, Kaka, Ronaldo Benzema |
Jose Mourinho will be sweating on the fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo and Alvaro Arbeloa, both of whom returned from international duty with thigh and hamstring strains respectively. However, the two players are expected to shrug off the knocks to start against Unai Emery's men. Angel Di Maria is however out for a month with a knee problem, meaning Kaka will likely start, with Mesut Ozil edged out to the right hand side.
Real Madrid have several players returning from injury including Ricardo Carvalho and Fabio Coentrao, although the pair are likely to sit out the visit to Valencia.
Marcelo will be back in contention following an injury, while Nuri Sahin could start his first game in the white shirt of Madrid.
One man who will not be featuring for Valencia is Sergio Canales, who is on loan from Madrid and will miss most of the season with a serious injury. The home side are also unable to call upon Ever Banega or Hedwiges Maduro.
Despite his double on international duty for Brazil, Jonas is likely to be named as a substitute with Pablo Piatti a candidate to play behind Roberto Soldado. Pablo Hernandez could come into the team on the right wing.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
- Valencia have lost their last three meetings against Real Madrid in La Liga, losing 6-3 to Los Blancos the last time the teams met in April.
- The last four encounters between the two sides at Mestalla have produced a total of 23 goals.
- Valencia are unbeaten at home in La Liga this season, winning four and drawing two out of their six games at Mestalla.
- Real Madrid are on a run of seven consecutive wins in La Liga. An eighth would be their best run under Jose Mourinho since the coach took over the club in 2010.
- Los Blancos have scored 39 goals after 11 matchdays, their second-highest tally at this stage of the season since 1950-51, where they had bagged 42.
- Gonzalo Higuain has scored seven goals in seven appearances against Valencia.
Prediction
Editor's Prediction
Valencia 1-2 Real Madrid 
