Real Madrid v Valencia – Betting Preview
Real Madrid Summary
Real Madrid couldn’t overcome Real Sociedad last time out and lost further ground to Barcelona in the title race.
The mood around the club has been one of frustration and disappointment for failing to win against the Basques at home. Furthermore, it has added huge pressure on them to comprehensively beat Valencia on Thursday evening.
Ancelotti is without Mendy, David Alaba, and Lucas Vásquez once more, but there is some good team news for Real Madrid for their trip to the eastern coast.
With this quick turnaround in matches, the Italian will be pleased to have both Dani Carvajal and Aurélien Tchouaméni returning. The latter is sure to start in the midfield and Carvajal may well displace Nacho at right back which would boost their attacking quality from full-back, something which the team needed last weekend.
Valencia Summary
The form and mood in Valencia hit a new low following the late defeat to Valladolid last weekend. The club hadn’t won a game since November before beating Valencia 1-0.
Following that defeat and an ugly confrontation with a cameraman, Valencia fired Gennaro Gattuso on Monday.
The interim boss will be Voro Gonzalez who is extremely well integrated into the club and so should be well received by the players and fans as temporary manager.
Voro has been Valencia’s caretaker for several previous stints over the last 15 years, normally having a desired impact when taking over. This is a game they would easily settle for a draw.
The confidence and determination levels should improve as Gattuso wasn’t getting much from the team.
Voro is expected to play a 4-5-1 which shapes as a 4-3-3 in possession. They gave Madrid problems in the Supercup game, and the interim boss says the team is confident they know where to harm the opponent.
Valencia is going to be missing the important defender Thierry once more. This is a significant loss for the host as he is said to be a key man for the team.
Kluivert and Nico González also remain out along with long-term absentee Jaume remain.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. Real Madrid are clear favourites against a struggling Valencia @ 1.39. Interim manager Voro would love a draw from this match, that pays @ 5.25. An away win would be a massive shock here and all but end Madrid’s title hopes, Valencia to win is @ 8.25
Moving onto the Asian handicap market for this contest. Real Madrid created a hatful of chances on the weekend and should do the same once more here, they are more clinical they’ll comfortably beat this handicap. Valencia +1.25 are getting a fair start @ 2.04 but will probably need to score at least once to get a half win on this market, as Madrid are strongly expected to score at least two goals. Madrid -1.25 @ 1.83 is a slight preference.
Looking at The Under/Over goal market, where the line is set at 3. Over 3 is @ 2.02 while the Under 3 is @ 1.81. If there is exactly 3 goals then the bet is pushed. Valencia is going to sit behind the ball and try to frustrate and play on breaks, not ideal for an open game but the sense is that both teams will score and Madrid won’t be as wasteful as they were against Sociedad.
