Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Segunda División match.
Real Zaragoza are being dragged towards the bottom again, while Real Valladolid will look to make their stay in the Spanish second tier a short one. Can the hosts reverse their poor run?
Real Zaragoza
Last season Real Zaragoza finished in the safe 18th spot, but after three rounds of the new campaign they sit 19th. It may be early for sweeping conclusions, yet there is little sign of improvement. A meeting with Real Valladolid, the league’s sixth-most valuable squad, should show what Real Zaragoza are capable of. Gabi Fernández spent successful years at Atlético Madrid under Diego Simeone. The first three competitive matches under the new coach went poorly for Real Zaragoza, and only in the most recent game did they get their first point — (1:1) with CD Castellón. They do have a competitive squad — ranked fifth by market value, even above the upcoming opponents.
Real Valladolid
Real Valladolid have also changed coach, and he is delivering immediately. The 56-year-old Guillermo Almada brings 15 years of head-coaching experience. His entire previous managerial career was in Latin America; he is Uruguayan. The defining trait of Real Valladolid under the new manager is a reliable defence. They have yet to concede and only dropped two points because of the excellent performance of the Córdoba CF goalkeeper.
Real Zaragoza vs Real Valladolid Prediction
Real Zaragoza, by contrast, have conceded five times this season. The experience within the Real Valladolid squad, and the shortage of it among the hosts’ players and head coach, should tilt this towards the visitors.
