A tough test for the league leaders

The Mestalla Stadium will be the epicentre of football during Sunday's Liga BBVA programme. Valencia host league leaders Real Madrid, who have just won the FIFA Club World Cup. The home side will be wanting to show their credentials in the battle for fourth, while the Whites are looking to increase their lead at the top of the table over FC Barcelona.

Team news

 

Valencia will have new boy Enzo Pérez available after the Argentine joined from Benfica, and he could well make his debut for Nuno Espírito Santo's side against Carlo Ancelotti's men. Meanwhile, the Italian has concerns over the fitness of Sergio Ramos, who will undergo a late fitness test, while Marcelo returns at left back.

 

Nuno spoke of the visitor's qualities, but also said that his Valencia side will go into the game looking to win: "we have the conviction that we can beat any adversary". Ancelotti said that his side will have to be on top form at both ends of the pitch given Valencia are now "stronger and more solid".