The midweek action for Matchday 33 of La Liga kicks off on Tuesday, April 22, at the Mestalla Stadium with a tightly contested matchup between Valencia and Espanyol, both level on 44 points in the standings. The home side missed a big opportunity to close in on the European spots last round, settling for a 1-1 draw away at Rayo Vallecano. Still, it's a positive run for Los Che, who remain unbeaten in the league for seven straight matches—a streak that, if extended, could push Carlos Corberan’s side closer to eighth place, potentially granting access to next season’s UEFA Europa Conference League due to Spain's UEFA ranking. Espanyol, on the other hand, are coming off their third consecutive league win after a 1-0 victory over Getafe, courtesy of a goal from defender Marash Kumbulla. This win was a major boost in the fight for survival, and with a game in hand, the Catalans can now aim a bit higher in this final stretch of the season. Although coach Manolo Gonzalez continues to stress that top priority is securing safety, the current form allows Espanyol to dream bigger—especially if their strong performances continue.

Valencia's Recent Form and Key Stats

Valencia are among the most in-form teams in La Liga, unbeaten in their last 7 league matches, with 4 wins and 3 draws. In their latest fixture, they secured a 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano, equalizing through Umar Sadiq after an early own goal from Tarrega. One of the standout results during this stretch was their impressive 2-1 win at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid in early April.

Carlos Corberan’s squad has collected 38 points so far (9 wins, 11 draws, and 12 losses), averaging 1.13 goals scored and 1.52 conceded per game. At home, Valencia are enjoying a run of 3 straight wins—against Real Valladolid, Mallorca, and Sevilla—scoring 4 goals and conceding just 1. More broadly, they have won 6 of their last 7 home matches in La Liga.

Espanyol's Recent Form and Key Stats

Espanyol are also enjoying a strong run, notching their third consecutive league victory by beating Getafe 1-0 thanks to a goal from Kumbulla. The Catalan side has shown great defensive stability during this period, keeping 3 clean sheets and scoring a total of 7 goals.

Following last weekend’s win, Espanyol now sit on 38 points, with a record of 10 wins, 8 draws, and 13 losses. Their away form has notably improved as well, with 3 wins in their last 4 La Liga outings on the road—this, after picking up just a single point away from home between November 2024 and February 2025.

Valencia vs Espanyol Prediction and Tactical Overview

Valencia and Espanyol are two of the most in-form sides in La Liga, and both have relied heavily on solid defensive performances rather than attacking firepower. Both teams have averaged just over a goal per game this season, suggesting we could be in for a tightly contested match with few clear chances.

Given their recent results and similar profiles, a balanced draw—similar to the 1-1 scoreline in the reverse fixture—seems plausible. A single mistake or a moment of brilliance could tilt the match either way. Valencia will also have to do without striker Umar Sadiq, suspended after scoring 5 goals in the league so far, which is a significant blow to their attacking threat.

For these reasons, the BetMines Algorithm prediction for Valencia vs Espanyol predicts a match with less than three goals in total. 

• The BetMines Algorithm prediction for Valencia vs Espanyol predicts Over 2.5 goals at 43%
• The BetMines Algorithm prediction for Valencia vs Espanyol predicts Under 2.5 goals at 57%.

Valencia vs Espanyol Predicted Lineups

Valencia (4-2-3-1): Mamardashvili; Foulquier, Tarrega, Mosquera, Gaya; Pepelu, Guerra; Lopez, Almeida, Rioja; Duro. Manager: Carlos Corberan

Espanyol (4-2-3-1): Garcia; El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Romero; Gonzalez, Lozano; Roca, Exposito, Puado; Fernandez. Manager: Manolo Gonzalez