Valencia vs Mallorca: Corberán's 'Final' at Mestalla as Relegation Fears Loom
Both sides desperate for points in crucial Friday night clash at Mestalla with just two points separating them near the drop zone.
Valencia vs Mallorca: Corberán’s ‘Final’ at Mestalla as Relegation Fears Loom
Two sides looking nervously over their shoulders meet at Mestalla tonight in what Valencia gaffer Carlos Corberán has openly described as a “final” - not mincing his words about the importance of this six-pointer.
Form Guide: Not Exactly Christmas Crackers
Valencia haven’t exactly been pulling up trees lately, with just two points from their last three league outings against Rayo, Sevilla and Atlético. That said, the performance at the Metropolitano showed signs of life, despite coming away empty-handed. Their Copa del Rey showing against Sporting also gave fans something to smile about in what’s been a proper barren spell.
The hosts have a few concerns in the treatment room with Danjuma and Tárrega both carrying knocks, while Beltrán’s been struck down with some sort of virus. Corberán will be keeping his cards close to his chest until the last possible moment before naming his starting XI. After impressing against Atlético, Ugrinic might have done enough to keep his place in the team.
Mallorca’s Midfield Headaches
The visitors are nursing their wounds after getting knocked out of the Copa by Deportivo and will be desperate to end the year on a high. Their midfield options are looking a bit thin on the ground, mind you:
- Omar Mascarell is away on international duty with Equatorial Guinea
- Morlanes has been wrapped in cotton wool for most of the week after picking up a knock against Elche (though he’s made the squad)
- Samu Costa returns from suspension after serving his ban for accumulating too many bookings
Key Battle: Almeida vs Darder
Both occupy similar roles for their respective sides and tend to be the creative sparks. Almeida is just starting to find his feet for Valencia, while Mallorca’s Darder brings that bit more experience and class to proceedings.
Bottom Line
With just two points separating these sides and both hovering dangerously close to the relegation trap door, this has all the makings of a proper Christmas cracker. As Corberán himself put it, treating each match like a final is “the mentality you need” right now. For both these teams, three points would be the perfect Christmas prezzie.