The opening act of La Liga Matchday 17 takes place at Mestalla on Friday night. Valencia, 17th with 15 points, face Mallorca, 14th with 17 points, in a match where every point matters in the relegation battle.
Valencia Looking for a Bounce Back
Carlos Corberan's men are coming off a 2-1 defeat at Atlético Madrid but found some form in the Copa del Rey with a 2-0 win against Sporting Gijón. Unbeaten in six of their last seven matches across all competitions, Valencia hope to capitalize on their home form where they remain unbeaten in the last three games.
César Tarrega returns after serving a suspension, while Luis Rioja is available again following illness. Hugo Duro, with 5 Liga goals this season, will be the man to watch for Los Ches.
Mallorca Struggling on the Road
The Pirates did beat Elche 3-1 in their last league game, but their Cup elimination against Deportivo La Coruña (1-0) left a bitter taste. On the road, their record is concerning: just one win in five games and no goals in their last two away trips.
Jagoba Arrasate will be without Omar Mascarell, who has joined Equatorial Guinea for AFCON. Vedat Muriqi (9 goals this season) will lead the visitors' attack, supported by Mateo Joseph.
Head-to-Head
Mallorca haven't won at Mestalla since February 2022. In the last ten meetings, Mallorca hold a slight edge with four wins against three for Valencia. Matches between these two sides are traditionally tight, averaging 2.2 goals per game.
Prediction: Tight affair with few goals. 1-1
