On Thursday night, Spanish side Valencia welcome Russian outfit Krasnodar to the Mestalla for the first leg last-16 Europa League tie.
Valencia’s form has improved greatly in recent months and Marcelino’s team head into this potentially tough clash unbeaten in 11 matches, having won three of their last four matches in all competitions. Los Ches recent games have been tight affairs, though, with under 2.5 goals scored in their last seven competitive games.
The home side has a stellar recent record in the Europa League, winning six of their last seven games in Europe’s secondary competition. Los Ches have also been prolific in the competition, scoring at least two goals in five of their last seven outings.
However, most of those aforementioned outings were in their last stint in the competition in 2013, as this season Los Ches dropped down into the Europa League from the Champions League.
Valencia also have a good recent home record in the competition winning five of their last six matches in the competition on home soil.
FK Krasnodar are currently challenging for the Russian top-flight title. However, they have failed to win in their last four games in all competitions. The visitor’s recent outings have been low scoring encounters, with under 2.5 goals scored in their last four competitive matches.
The Russian team has also failed to win in their last three matches in the Europa League, drawing two and losing one. Krasnodar edged past German side Bayer Leverkusen by drawing both games in the last round but progressed via away goals after a 1-1 draw in Germany in the second leg.
Krasnodar have been poor on their travels in the Europa League, winning just two of their last ten matches away from home, while losing four of their last six Europa League away games.
Forebet predicts that Valencia’s good form will continue with the Spanish side recording a victory in a low scoring clash.