Atletico v Valencia – Betting Preview
Atletico Madrid Summary
Atletico Madrid is experiencing their best dynamic of the season and now commands the 3rd spot in La Liga 2022/23 over Real Sociedad. At the start of the calendar year, it was the Basques that was in full control of that spot.
Indeed, should 2nd placed Real Madrid lose to Barcelona this weekend and they beat Valencia here, the gap could become five points between them and their bitter neighbour.
Not having UEFA football on their schedule is seeing them play some of their best and most effective football of the campaign.
A highly impressive offensive outburst against Sevilla (W6-1) was followed up by one of many hard-fought 1-0’s thanks to defensive security, on Monday evening it was Girona that they made look impotent.
As a result, the mood in the camp is superb and they’ll expect a another victory here.
Looking now at team news for this potentially tricky game against a Valencia side improving dramatically under the stewardship of Baraja.
Simeone has De Paul is fully recovered and set to begin, making for one move from the previous game.
Based on the training session this Thursday, the Atletico XI is expected to be the following; Oblak; Molina, Savic, Giménez, Hermoso, Carrasco; Koke, Llorente, De Paul; Griezmann and Memphis.
Valencia Summary
Valencia continued to show a remarkable improvement under the new management with a comprehensive performance and deserved to win over Osasuna last weekend.
Even allowing for the loss in Barcelona where they played well and made the league leaders sweat to hold onto a 1-0 win, it is clear effort and confidence has received a much needed boost under Ruben Baraja.
This will be another massive test for the boss, as he takes the team to the capital to face in-form Atletico Madrid.
Valencia starts the weekend sitting just above the drop zone but on the same points as Getafe who occupy 18th.
They respect Atletico Madrid enough to be delighted if they can come away from this match with a draw. And with this in mind, they will try to set up tough to beat and steal the first goal. This is something which worked reasonably well in Barcelona.
Looking at team news for Valencia now, and the outlook is positive.
José Luis Gaya their attacking left back is cleared to play after a knock was sustained in training.
Cavani is also fully cleared but the boss is set to continue with Hugo Duro in attack, who played well but did miss a last-minute spot kick in the 1-0 win over Osasuna.
They remain without Gabriel Paulista, Jaume Doménech, and Marcos André.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. Atletico Madrid is @ 1.60 to win.
Valencia is much improved under new management but this is a massive test. The draw is @ 3.95 and the Valencia win is @ 6.00.
Moving onto the Asian handicap betting for this contest. Atletico -1 @ 2.03 looks about right.
Valencia will make it difficult and have a much better chance this weekend than they did a month ago, even taking into account that Atletico are also improved in recent weeks. Valencia +1 @ 1.84. Easy pass here.
Looking at The Under/Over goal betting last of all. The line is set at 2.25, the over is @ 1.92 and the Under is @ 1.91. The game is expected to be physical, hard fought and tight which normally leads to a low scoring affair.
