Two of La Liga’s most improved sides collide on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, as Valencia welcome Espanyol to the Mestalla in a fixture brimming with European implications. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM (UK), 1:00 PM (ET), and 10:00 AM (PT).
Valencia’s resurgence under Carlos Corberan has been a standout storyline in the second half of the season. Since his appointment on Christmas Eve, Los Che have transformed from relegation battlers into legitimate contenders for European qualification. With a solid performance away to Rayo Vallecano that extended their unbeaten streak to seven matches, they enter this clash brimming with confidence.
Espanyol, meanwhile, have enjoyed a similarly strong run of form. Their recent narrow victory over Getafe marked a third consecutive win, continuing a stretch that includes just one loss in their last eight and only two defeats in their last 14 league outings. The Catalan outfit has become a tough side to break down, with a solid defensive foundation and timely goals helping them stay in the hunt for a top-eight finish.
Team News and Lineups
Valencia comes into the game with no new injury concerns. However, they remain without Thierry Correia and Ivan Jaime, both sidelined. The predicted lineup is expected to maintain Corberan’s balanced 4-4-2 system.
Predicted XI (Valencia):
Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Tarrega, Mosquera, Gaya; Rioja, Guerra, Barrenechea, Almeida; D. Lopez, H. Duro
Unavailable: Correia, Ivan Jaime
Espanyol will miss Javi Puado, who continues to serve a suspension, alongside long-term absentees Brian Olivan and Jose Gragera. The team is expected to line up in a compact 4-2-3-1, led by Roberto Fernandez up front.
Predicted XI (Espanyol):
Joan Garcia; El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Romero; Urko Gonzalez, Pol Lozano; Carreras, Exposito, Roca; R. Fernandez
Unavailable: Olivan, Gragera, Puado
Match Outlook
With both clubs hovering just five points off the European spots, this midweek fixture is more than just a battle for form, it’s a race for continental football. Valencia have been nearly flawless at home under Corberan, while Espanyol’s away record has quietly improved.
Given the momentum on both sides and the high stakes, this encounter is expected to be tightly contested, with attacking opportunities for both. Backing both teams to score looks like a smart play.
Prediction:
