La Liga high-flyers Valencia take on Villarreal on Saturday afternoon, with the home side looking to recover from two defeats in their last three matches. Despite sitting 10 points clear of their opponents in the table, Valencia will undoubtedly be expecting a tough encounter when they take to the field at the Mestalla this weekend.
Spanish La Liga – Mestalla Stadium, Valencia – Saturday 23rd December – 15:15 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 11/4 at William Hill |
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Valencia
VillarrealValencia vs Villarreal – Match Preview
Valencia host Villarreal in what is the duo’s final La Liga match of the year at the Mestalla Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with both sides hoping to end 2017 with a win. Many within the game are already predicting a close encounter, with Valencia’s status as the home side making them the narrow favourites. With the duo having played out a host of entertaining clashes in La Liga already this season, goals are expected at the Mestalla. For those still unsure of who to back, be sure to check out our top betting tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Valencia Team News & Form
Having started the season in Spain in fine style, Valencia have struggled over recent weeks, recording two defeats in their last three outings. However, having scored 36 goals from their 16 matches to date, Valencia are a side who are capable of beating anyone on their day, with former West Ham man Simone Zaza having found the back of the net ten times himself. Manager Marcelino García Toral will be looking to apply the pressure on Atletico Madrid who currently sit above them in the table, with Manchester United midfielder Andres Pereira having shined during his loan spell in Spain. Meanwhile, Portuguese winger Goncalo Guedes is another man to have starred for a new-look Valencia side.
Villarreal Team News & Form
Villarreal ended a run of three straight defeats with a narrow away win over Celta Vigo last time around, with manager Javier Calleja and his men looking to end the year with another success on the road. Striker Cédric Bakambu is likely to lead the line for Villarreal once more, with the forward having scored nine La Liga goals so far this season. However, having already lost six matches this season, the visitors will be looking to show that they can be more resilient on the road.
Head to Head
The two teams have met 31 times in the past, with Villarreal having won 14 of such meetings, as well as registering six draws. Both teams registered away victories in their two meetings last season, including a 3-1 success for Villarreal at the Mestalla.
Valencia vs Villarreal Betting Odds and Predictions
Given their position in the standings and their status as the home team this weekend, it comes as little surprise that it is Valencia who are the favourites for victory with the bookmakers. Those looking to back the home side can take advantage of odds of 21/20 with Ladbrokes, while the visitors are available at odds of 5/2 with the same bookmaker.
Top Betting Tip for Valencia vs Villarreal
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on there being over 2.5 goals during the 90 minutes, which is available at odds 6/5 ahead of kick-off at Paddy Power.