Deportivo La Coruña are back in the big time, and they mean business. Antonio Hidalgo has rebuilt this squad with serious intent — seven new arrivals, including the ageless Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Angelino on loan from Roma. That is a statement. They opened their campaign with a 1-1 home draw against Elche at Abanca-Riazor, a result that felt more solid than spectacular. But this is a team finding its feet, not a team in crisis. The pieces are there; the chemistry is still cooking.

Valencia, meanwhile, are the enigma. They lost a friendly to Newcastle 1-2 in early August, but friendlies are noise. The real signal is their squad reinforcement — Ryunosuke Sato and others have arrived, and they looked sharp in their Mestalla opener against Celta Vigo. But here is the catch: this is their first away match of the season. First away day, new faces, a raucous Riazor crowd. That is a recipe for hesitation.

Momentum favours the hosts. Deportivo have already played twice at home in the league — they know the turf, they know the noise, they know each other. Valencia are still figuring out their best XI. Do not overthink this. The home side looks the sharper, more settled unit right now.