Valencia v Villareal

Valencia and Villareal are fighting for different albeit important reasons this Saturday, 5th of May. Kick-off at the Mestalla is at 20:00 GMT.

Teams News

Valencia

Valencia is on a literal roller-coaster, alternating wins and losses vis-à-vis home and away games. For that reason they will be happy to welcome Villareal at home this weekend with the prospect of furthering their hold on that coveted third spot in the standings. Surely with two weeks remaining in the season, the time to win for Unai Emery and his side is upon them.

Last game’s 4-nil thumping of Osasuna stumped the whole league for a number of reasons. First, all four goals came in late, in a span of 11 minutes from the 77th to the 88th. That’s a goal for every 2.5 minutes that passes by, catching 10-men Osasuna by wild surprise.

The second amusing trend is the fact Los Che has scored no less than four goals in their last three home games. Goals have come early and late, but for two occasions now, they have scored goals at the 77th and 88th minute respectively. That is some kind of late-game phenomena that should scare visitors to death.

Villareal

Villareal gave away a late goal to Gijon last time out to leave the attendance at El Molinon gasping for air in an exciting finish. The win, only their second in six games, gives them a four-point cushion outside of relegation. A loss would have brought them to the brink of relegation, handing them a bitter but arguably-fitting end to a very disappointing season so far.

Giuseppe Rossi, the Yellow Subamarines’ Italian striker is still out. His presence up front has not been working to Villareal’s benefit of late. With only 3 goals this season, the Italian’s season is arguably his worst in the Spanish top-tier so far. Cesar, Villareal’s back-up keeper, received a red last time out while on the bench. He will be missing the game against Valencia as well.

Valencia v Villareal Betting Preview

The last five meetings against Valencia and Villareal is at an even state – one win apiece for each team with the other three games ending in a draw. Factoring in form will however give the favour to the hosts. Villareal is in a relatively better form compared to how they were playing the previous weeks. Still, Valencia could be too much for a struggling Villareal side.

Betting Tip

Verdict: Valencia to win, 4-2.

Tip: Valencia’s 4-goal haul in their last three home games is a tempting lead to follow. A win at 4-1 is tipped at 20/1, at 4-2 however, the odds are doubled at 40/1.

Tempting fate can lead to bigger rewards, but in the reverse fixture, Villareal earned a draw (Valencia was on the road at time). Given the 3-2 scoreline Villareal scored away last time out, a 3-3 draw at 50/1 might just be the punt that makes millionaires.

All odds are from Bet365.com (£200 FREE BET!).