Valencia vs. Deportivo Alaves 8/27/21 LaLiga Soccer Pick, Odds, and Prediction

Valencia and Deportivo Alaves are clashing at Mestalla in round 3 of the Spanish LaLiga. Valencia is in good form, and they are still undefeated in their first two games of the season. Alaves has barely escaped the relegation last season, but it doesn’t look like they will be that lucky this season.

Valencia has lost only 2 games in their preseason, while not losing any of their first two games in LaLiga so far. Valencia was solid defensively with 1 conceded goal so far while scoring 2, one goal in each game. Against Granada last weekend, Valencia was the better team with 54% of ball possession, 7 shots on goal, 6 corner kicks, 2 big chances created, and 69% of the correct passes. Valencia conceded early, in the 16^th minute, and it took them a while to tie the score. In the 88^th minute, Valencia was awarded a penalty kick, which they scored, and this game has ended in a 1-1 draw. Soler has scored 2 goals so far for Valencia, and they have both been from the penalty spot. I don’t think Valencia will be anywhere near the relegation zone, but I also don’t think we will see them anywhere near the Europa League zone just because I don’t think they have the offensive quality to get there.

The season has barely started, and Alaves is already in a lot of trouble. Alaves has lost both of their games in LaLiga so far, and they have conceded 5 goals. In their game against Mallorca at home last week, Alaves has had 47% of ball possession, 4 shots on goal, 1 corner kick, 2 big chances created, and 74% of the correct passes. In addition to losing this game, Alaves has also conceded a red card in the 66^th minute, and Duarte will miss this game for Alaves. Joselu is the only goalscorer for Alaves so far this season, and it was from the penalty spot. There are no injuries in Alaves as of right now. It will be a tough, tough season for Alaves, and they will spend most of it close to the relegation zone, but if they can improve their defense by just a little, it will make their season a lot easier.

When playing at home, Valencia has not lost to Alaves in their last 9 games, and they are on a 3-game winning streak at home. I know Alaves is not in good form, but they are capable of surprises, and for that reason, I will take the draw here.