“A derby with six points between them”

Valencia’s recent account is grim: four points from their last six games, and Monday’s 3-1 defeat at Real Betis brought another bruise. Their points return is two below the total their chances suggest they deserved, but the table cares little for what might have been. Espanyol’s numbers are more faithful to their season: 42 points against 42.1 expected. They have lost their last two league matches, then ended the run with a win; their latest form line reads DDLLW.

This is a derby, and the most recent meeting, on 5 December, was a goalless draw. That night Daniel Saldaña, now Valencia’s expected goalkeeper, was named player of the match. The teams’ likely elevens have since shifted: Valencia are expected to bring in Valerio Mazzocco, Francesco Rustignoli and Kiko Hernando, while Espanyol’s likely changes include Sergio Villa and Josep Miquel.

Espanyol will be without Luca Devine, a regular at centre-back, whose twisted ankle is expected to keep him out until about 22 May. His absence leaves a new pairing in the likely back line, while Valencia’s Alfonso Márquez offers a threat after scoring twice in his last five games. Espanyol’s Delfí Català has struck three times in his last five, and Valencia’s Sebastian Avram has the stronger aerial attributes for the duel that may define the visitors’ route forward.

Valencia’s season has already been shadowed by the crisis in the league and the Champions League exit reported in February.