Valencia v Osasuna – Betting Preview
Valencia Summary
Valencia lost last weekend in Barcelona but because they put in a reasonably impressive showing and made Barcelona sweat to win, it didn’t ruin much confidence or momentum in their intended rebuild project.
The mood had received a much needed boost with their hard fought win over Real Sociedad the previous weekend, which was the first home game for ex-playing legend Ruben Baraja.
The club have pinned hopes on the former midfielder turning the fortunes around and next season, making them the Valencia of old.
Unfortunately for Valencia though, due to other clubs around them in the drop zone getting valuable points, a respectable 1-0 loss in the Camp Nou does nothing for their survival hopes.
Valencia starts the weekend sitting in a worrying 19th and only a win can potentially see them move out of the bottom three.
They respect Osasuna but will aim to win, a draw is not a terrible result considering the opponent is highly respected.
Looking at team news for Valencia where the outlook is very good.
José Luis Gaya their important attacking left back is cleared to make a return and Cavani is also given a small chance.
They remain without Gabriel Paulista, Jaume Doménech, and Marcos André.
Should Cavani return now or the next week, it will be interesting to see if Baraja opts to use him ahead of Hugo Duro or not.
In the graphic below we can see how they rank vs other La Liga 2022/23 strikers in various aspects of the game.
Despite being known for his heading, Hugo Duro actually comes out on top in aerial stats. The main point however, is that neither are effective enough this season to really help this team be where it wants, pushing for European places.
Osasuna Summary
Osasuna deserved more from their goalless game at home to Celta Vigo last weekend. Even still, they are in good shape in the league and feel in positive mood after beating Sevilla the previous match of La Liga 2022/23.
Their league form had dropped off prior to the Seville trip, but with a possible cup final ahead plus a run on the top six, the atmosphere in the club is fantastic at Osasuna.
Looking at team news now for the trip to the Mestalla, which is mainly positive.
The only definite absence for Arraste is Rubén Peña, while Ruben García is cleared for a full return after shaking off a knock.
There is hot competition to lead the line with all of their offensive men available.
Kike García is generally seen as a super sub but he and regulars Kike Barja and Budimir all contest the number nine role. If Budimir the ‘out and out’ centre forward begins then Barja likely is used on the flank.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. Valencia are very short to win @ 2.15. The market is respecting the manager bounce here and definitely not respecting a high flying Osasuna.
The draw is @ 3.25 and Osasuna to win is @ 3.85. Purely for value it is difficult not to lean towards the visitor.
Moving onto the Asian handicap betting for this contest. Valencia -0.25 is @ 1.80 and Osasuna +0.25 @ 2.08.
Looking at The Under/Over goal betting last of all and the line is set low at 2. Over is @ 1.83 and Under is @ 2.08.
Preference is for overs here, and quite strong too. Valencia will go for it and Osasuna will give their defence problems. Confidence that there is at least two goals which gives backers their stake back.
