Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the La Liga match.
Valencia have steadied themselves after that humbling defeat to Barcelona, collecting points in back-to-back matches. At Mestalla, the hosts remain unbeaten this season — a record they’ll be confident of extending against a Real Oviedo side stuck in crisis following their return to the top flight. With the league’s weakest attack and a woeful away record, the visitors face an uphill task.
Valencia
Valencia sit on eight points from six rounds, with seven of those coming at Mestalla. Victories over Athletic Bilbao (2:0) and Getafe (3:0), along with a draw against Real Sociedad (1:1), underline just how strong they’ve been at home. The team have shipped just one goal in front of their own fans while netting eight themselves. Hugo Duro has led the line impressively with three strikes, while summer signing Arnaut Danjuma has chipped in with two goals in six appearances.
Real Oviedo
Real Oviedo are in freefall. They own the worst attack in La Liga — just two goals from six games — and have lost three on the spin. Away from home, the record is dire: three defeats, no goals scored, and five conceded. Injuries to defenders Álvaro Lemos and Nacho Vidal, alongside doubts over Oviemuno Ejaria and David Costas, have further weakened their backline. In attack, the trio of José Rondón, Haissem Hassan and Ilyas Chaira rely heavily on free kicks and corners and the odd counter, but the lack of finishing quality is glaring: two goals from 4.56 xG.
Valencia vs Real Oviedo Prediction
Valencia’s aggressive pressing and clinical finishing at Mestalla should once again prove decisive, just as it did against Athletic Bilbao and Getafe. Real Oviedo, conceding an average of two goals per match and failing to score on the road, look ill-equipped to cope with Valencia.
