Valencia continued their good start to the new season in midweek with a 1-0 win at Real Sociedad. Los Murcielagos have picked up 7pts from their opening four matches, despite financial issues off the field. Uruguayan striker, Maximiliano Gonzalez, has continuously been linked with a move away from the club and attracted even more suiters by scoring the winner on Tuesday night.
Valencia finished 9th last season and only out on the European places by 3pts. As things stand, Valencia look like they could challenge for the Europa League spots once again, but we will know more once the transfer window has closed.
Saturday’s hosts only lost one of their 19 home games last season, picking up 11 wins and seven draws at the Mestalla.
That strong home form was reflected in Valencia’s defensive record as they only conceded 16 goals in those 19 matches. Under 2.5 goals were produced in 68% of Valencia’s home games last season, and their last two La Liga outings have also seen fewer than 3-goals scored.
However, 58% of those games played at the Mestalla saw both teams score, five of which ended 1-1, suggesting that Valencia are guilty of not seeing results through.
Real Betis lost 3-0 away at Getafe on Tuesday night and now sit a point behind Valencia in the La Liga table. Los Verdiblancos won their opening two games of the campaign against Alaves and Valladolid but have since suffered back to back defeats to Real Madrid and Getafe.
Last season, Betis only finished 5pts above the drop zone, and they will be looking for a much-improved performance in 2020/21.
Away results cost Betis dearly last season, with the club only claim one win on the road. Real Betis suffered 11 defeats on their travels, which included losing 2-1 at Valencia. Scoring goals was the main issue, with Betis netting just 14-goals on their travels last season. Under 2.5 goals were produced in 63% of Betis’ away trips in 2019/20, so you can see why we could have a low-scoring 90-minutes on our hands in Valencia.
The hosts could be without Cheryshev, Paulista, Soler, and Mangala this weekend due to injury. Emerson returns from suspension, but Mandi picked up a red card in midweek and will miss the Valencia game. Bravo and Guardado are also unlikely to feature through injury.
Saturday’s clash will be tight and tense as no more than 1-goal has separated these two teams in their last six encounters. Valencia are the favourites due to Betis’ poor away form last season and the fact that the hosts have won three of their last four games against this weekends’ guests.