Girona v Valencia – Betting Preview
Girona Summary
Girona’s overall mood and confidence are strong and the season is exceeding all expectations.
They will hope to build on a reasonable showing despite the loss to Barcelona last weekend.
Sitting in 12th place in the league and one place above Valencia, this is an opponent they have full belief that they can win if they play their best level.
Michel Sánchez has important absences including the continued one of their towering centre-back David López. The good news is that Santi Bueno his fellow centre-back partner is back from a ban and starts, seeing Juanpe either drop out or slot in at right back where they have the only new notable absence, with Arnau banned.
The fringe men Ibrahima Kebe and Reinier Jesús remain out.
Valencia Summary
The form and mood in Valencia hit a new low following the late defeat in Valladolid, who had not won a game since November before beating Valencia 1-0.
Gattuso was sacked within 48 hours and the side put in a reasonable show before dropping to a 2-0 loss on Thursday evening in the capital.
The interim boss Voro Gonzalez is extremely well integrated into the club, but this won’t guarantee any improvement in performances or results as was outlined in the game on Thursday night.
Voro has been Valencia’s caretaker for several previous stints over the last 15 years, normally having a desired positive impact when taking over. This is a game there is much more pressure than midweek, and the aim is to get all three points but it is a must not lose.
Valencia is going to be missing the important defender Thierry once more. This was already a significant loss for the host as he is said to be a key man for the team.
Adding to defensive problems, Gabriel Paulista is now out banned for a straight red after an amateur Sunday league-style foul on Vinicius in the 2-0 loss to Real Madrid.
Kluivert and Nico González also remain out along with long-term absentee Jaume remain.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. Girona is slightly ahead of Valencia in the table but in terms of momentum and feel-good factor, the host is miles ahead. Girona is the favourite @ 2.20 to win. The draw is @ 3.35 and the Valencia victory is @ 3.45.
Moving onto the Asian handicap market for this contest. The punters have the Girona are a slight favourite with a -0.25 start @ 1.88, which is the more attractive bet of the two options. Valencia gets the small +0.25 @ 1.98 start, and so a one-goal Girona victory would pay as a half-win for backers of the jolly.
Looking at The Under/Over betting last of all, where it seems like the punters did not like the prospect of goals too much. The market opened at a line of 3, but it has since dropped down to 2.5. Over is @ 2.01 and the Under 2.5 is @ 1.81.
