Real Madrid play Valencia on Saturday in their first home league match of 2022.
Los Blancos are looking to bounce back from a 1-0 loss to Getafe in their last La Liga outing, which came on New Year's Day.
An early goal from Enes Unal was enough to seal all three points for Azulones, who inflicted Carlo Ancelotti's side with only their second top-flight defeat of the season.
However, they lead at the top of the league standings by just five points, despite having played a game more than Sevilla.
In midweek, Real Madrid also beat Alcoyano 3-1 in the round-32 of the 2021-22 Copa Del Rey season, courtesy of two late goals.
Valencia are languishing near the mid-table with 28 points from 19 games, and like their capital rivals, also lost their last top-flight game before recovering with a win in the cup.
Real Madrid vs Valencia Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
Real Madrid vs Valencia Prediction
Valencia may be in ninth position but the side have been thoroughly entertaining to watch.
Besides Real Madrid, Real Betis (32) are the only side inside top 10 to have scored more goals than Los Che (31) in the league right now.
However, Carlo Ancelotti's side have been impressive this season despite their shock loss last weekend.
It will be intense but expect the home side to come through with all three points.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Valencia
Real Madrid vs Valencia Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Real Madrid
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: over 2.5 (There have been at least three goals in five of their last seven meetings)
Tip 3 - Karim Benzema to score anytime: Yes (The Frenchman is La Liga's top-scorer with 15 goals)