Thursday's Bet of the Day: A low scoring match between Valencia and Levante
Both teams suffered defeat last weekend but will be looking to bounce back in the Copa Del Rey. Spanish expert Phil Kitromilides is backing a tight first leg.
By Phil Kitromilides
Roberto Soldado - Valencia
A weekend to forget in the league for both these teams saw Valenica suffer a shock home defeat to Real Sociedad and Levante succumb to their seventh loss in nine games at Athletic Bilbao. Both teams have the opportunity to get back on track the with a two-legged city derby for a place in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.
Valencia are of course massive favourites to win the first leg and indeed the tie overall, with victory at Mestalla for the home side priced at 6/13 (1.46) by 188Bet.
Until the weekend aberration against Real Sociedad, Real Madrid had been the only side to beat Valencia on their own turf this season, with even Barcelona unable to win there, held as they were to a 2-2 draw.
Despite their exceptional start to the season which saw them briefly lead La Liga for the first time in their history, Levante's primary concern will be avoiding relegation. Sitting in fourth place they still occupy the final Champions League spot and are close to amassing enough points to ensure safety.
They will believe they can win this cup game against their neighbours after such a solid start to the season and they face a Valencia side capable of brilliance and bewildering inefficiency in equal measure. A small punt on an away win could be good value at 6/1 (7.00)
But the bet of the day has to be on under 2.5 goals being scored in the match, available at a tempting Even money (2.0).
Local derbies are often tight affairs especially ones in two-legged cup competitions. With four out of the last five games between these two rivals having seen less than 2.5 goals including their most recent meeting in November, another low scoring encounter looks likely and at Even money offers a great price.
Bet of the day: Under 2.5 goals at Evens with 188 Bet
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Match
Phil Kitromilides is a professional sports broadcaster working on radio and TV in London and Madrid, you can also follow Phil on Twitter
Valencia are of course massive favourites to win the first leg and indeed the tie overall, with victory at Mestalla for the home side priced at 6/13 (1.46) by 188Bet.Until the weekend aberration against Real Sociedad, Real Madrid had been the only side to beat Valencia on their own turf this season, with even Barcelona unable to win there, held as they were to a 2-2 draw.
Despite their exceptional start to the season which saw them briefly lead La Liga for the first time in their history, Levante's primary concern will be avoiding relegation. Sitting in fourth place they still occupy the final Champions League spot and are close to amassing enough points to ensure safety.
They will believe they can win this cup game against their neighbours after such a solid start to the season and they face a Valencia side capable of brilliance and bewildering inefficiency in equal measure. A small punt on an away win could be good value at 6/1 (7.00)But the bet of the day has to be on under 2.5 goals being scored in the match, available at a tempting Even money (2.0).
Local derbies are often tight affairs especially ones in two-legged cup competitions. With four out of the last five games between these two rivals having seen less than 2.5 goals including their most recent meeting in November, another low scoring encounter looks likely and at Even money offers a great price.
Bet of the day: Under 2.5 goals at Evens with 188 Bet
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Match
Phil Kitromilides is a professional sports broadcaster working on radio and TV in London and Madrid, you can also follow Phil on Twitter
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