Valencia must harness the energy from Mestalla's old stands to break their terrible run

Valencia hasn't won a match in over a month, and that's too long, even for this Valencia, which has declined under their hated owner Peter Lim. The last time they achieved a victory was the surprising 3-0 win against Atletico Madrid on 16 September. The game against Cadiz tonight at Mestalla is a perfect opportunity to get back to winning ways and take a step forward in their return to competition.

The team left for the international break with the good vibes from their performance against Mallorca. However, they now have four winless matches (against Almería, Real Sociedad, Betis, and Mallorca), with only 2 points out of 12. Winning has become an urgent need for both the team and the fans, who reunite almost a month later with a common goal: to win again with the strength of Mestalla.

Coach Ruben Baraja has managed to keep the team comfortably positioned in the table by the end of October. Urgency hasn't arrived yet, but it's just beginning. Mestalla is the perfect stage to take a step forward in their return to action, unsettle a direct rival like Cadiz, and open up an eight-point gap to the relegation spots currently held by Celta Vigo and Granada.

As important as winning is to establish home strength for the rest of the season. Baraja's goal is to make the old stadium a fortress, just like they did last year (winning 62% of the points at home). Currently, the percentage of points at home is 50%, having lost two out of four matches. Therefore, they cannot afford any more stumbles, especially against a direct rival.

Valencia faces a crucial month of competition with matches against Cadiz, Athletic Club, Granada, and Real Madrid before the next international break in mid-November. These matches will determine the season's trend, for better or worse.

Baraja will have the captain, Jose Luis Gaya, in the left-back position and Sergi Canos back on the wing after over a month. The idea is for Canos to start from the bench. The team is still without Mouctar Diakhaby, Jesus Vazquez, Alberto Mari, and Andre Almeida due to back issues. Selim Amallah could replace Almeida. The team will rely on young players like Javi Guerra, Diego Lopez, and Fran Perez, as well as the strength of Mestalla, even though the match is played on a Monday.

Cadiz is not a favourable opponent, as Valencia has had difficulties in beating them in recent years. Furthermore, the referee, Gonzalez Fuertes, is not a favourite of the team, as in a previous match, he did not award a clear penalty in favor of Valencia, leading to criticism from Baraja.

Cadiz, led by Sergio Gonzalez, enters the match after six winless matches and faces problems in defence due to injuries and suspensions. This represents an opportunity for Valencia to get back on track and secure an important victory in their battle to stay in La Liga.

The only problem is - Valencia have been the champions at shooting themselves in the foot in the last few years. Just because a game is a "must-win" it means precious little to them.

LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 10

Friday

Osasuna - Granada 2-0 (1-0)

/Budimir 11, 59 pen/

Saturday

Sociedad - Mallorca 1-0 (0-0)

/Mendez 64/

Getafe - Betis 1-1 (1-1)

/Mayoral 17 - Roca 1/

Sevilla - Real Madrid 1-1 (0-0)

/Alaba 74 og - Carvajal 78/

Celta - Atletico Madrid 0-3 (0-1)

/Griezmann 29 pen, 64, 70/

Sunday

Las Palmas - Rayo Vallecano 0-1 (0-0)

/Bebe 90+1 pen/

Girona - Almeria 5-2 (3-2)

/Martin 37, Dovbyk 39, 43, Savio 71, Stuani 85 - Baptistao 2, 24/

Villareal - Alaves 1-1 (0-0)

/Moreno 65 pen - Samu 48/

Barcelona - Ath.Bilbao 1-0 (0-0)

/Guiu 80/

Monday

22.00: (1.89) Valencia (3.50) Cadiz (5.00)

***odds are subject to change***