La Liga Preview: Valladolid Aim to Bounce Back Against Promoted Leganes
Two newly-promoted sides will lock horns on Wednesday as Real Valladolid welcome Leganes to the Estadio Jose Zorrilla for a crucial La Liga clash.
Valladolid, fresh off a second-place finish in the Segunda Division, will be hoping to avoid the drop for the first time since 2019-20. After a positive start with a 1-0 win over Espanyol, they suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat at the Bernabeu against reigning European champions Real Madrid. While they put up a fight, goals from Federico Valverde, Brahim Diaz, and Endrick ultimately sealed the result.
Looking ahead to a challenging fixture against Barcelona this weekend, Valladolid will be aiming to secure a positive result against Leganes at home. They have a strong record against their opponents, having avoided defeat in their last six encounters.
Leganes, on the other hand, are enjoying a promising return to the top flight after winning the Segunda Division. They have started their campaign with a draw against Osasuna followed by a hard-fought victory against Las Palmas at the weekend. A 71st-minute goal from Juan Cruz and a second from Enric Franquesa secured the three points despite a late consolation from Sandro Ramirez.
This unbeaten run, stretching back to last season, highlights Leganes' confidence and resilience. They will be looking to continue this form and achieve a rare victory over Valladolid, having last beaten them in April 2019.
Team News
Valladolid have no fresh injury concerns but will be without midfielder Anuar. Selim Amallah, Amath Ndiaye, and Mamadou Sylla could all return to the starting lineup after featuring from the bench at the weekend. Raul Moro could also be recalled, looking to build on his recent goal at home.
Leganes welcomed Jackson Porozo, Adria Altimira, and Munir to their ranks last week. While Altimira made his debut as a substitute and Munir is likely to remain on the bench, Borja Jimenez might be tempted to integrate Porozo into his defence for Wednesday's game. Cruz and Franquesa are pushing for starts after their goal-scoring contributions against Las Palmas.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Real Valladolid: Hein; Perez, Comert, Boyomo, Rosa; Perez, Juric, Amallah; Ndiaye, Moro, Sylla
Leganes: Soriano; Rosier, Porozo, Gonzalez, Hernandez; Brasanac, Neyou, Cisse; Cruz, Franquesa, De la Fuente
Prediction:
Leganes may be winless in their last six meetings with Valladolid but drew twice against them last season. This indicates that they are capable of challenging Valladolid, and we anticipate a closely fought contest that could end in a draw.
Sports Mole's prediction: Real Valladolid 1-1 Leganes
