A derby to end the wait

Both sides need chances to become points when Valencia host Villarreal at Mestalla on Saturday 24 October. The La Liga matchday ten derby kicks off at 16:30 UTC, or 17:30 in Brazzaville. Valencia have six points from nine games, compared with Villarreal’s nine, and need a win to give substance to their recent improvement. Follow confirmed line-ups, the score and statistics in the Valencia–Villarreal match centre.

Javier Aguirre’s first two games brought draws: 2–2 against Racing Santander and then 0–0 with Athletic. The latter provided a defensive reference point, but it did not solve the shortage of victories. Valencia’s only league win came away at Alavés; their supporters are still waiting for a first home success this season.

Six goals scored and fifteen conceded across nine matches show why improvement cannot be restricted to one end of the pitch. Pressing higher in the derby will only help if the players behind the ball remain close enough to stop Villarreal escaping into space. Attacking with greater urgency without that protection could reopen the gaps Valencia managed to close last time.

The visitors also drew their last league game 0–0, against Elche. Their week has been busier, however: on Tuesday they lost 4–3 at Liverpool after taking a two-goal lead. The match demonstrated their ability to hurt a European opponent, but also their difficulty protecting an advantage. At Mestalla, the challenge is not merely to create danger; it is to stay organised when an attack breaks down.

Villarreal have scored thirteen and conceded thirteen in La Liga, a more open profile than their neighbours’. Iñigo Pérez must balance initiative with protection. Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye, who has three league goals, will be worth watching if selected. His work through midfield can matter in both directions, although that scoring record offers no guarantee of another goal.

Umar Sadiq and Copete are among the Valencia absentees confirmed by Aguirre on Friday. The coach must continue adjusting without all his options. A predicted team is not an official announcement: the match sheet will establish both managers’ selections.

The revealing measure will be how each side reacts after losing possession, rather than simply how many chances it creates. Valencia want a win to lift their difficult start; Villarreal need their attacking spells to produce a reliable result. Follow the La Liga table and the live match on SNA to see how the derby changes their positions.