Valencia v Barcelona Betting Preview: Backing Pep Guardiola's men to lead at half-time

After seeing off Real Madrid in the last round, the Catalan giants are faced with a two-legged tie against Unai Emery's men and Phil Kitromilides is backing goals at Mestalla

1 Feb 2012 14:05:00

By Phil Kitromilides

More On :  Barcelona, Valencia
Liga BBVA: Villarreal-Barcelona: Mateo Musacchio, Lionel Messi
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It has not been a good start to 2012 for Valencia. Apart from a comfortable aggregate win in the last round of the cup against their city rivals Levante, Unai Emery's men have been on a poor run of form, without a league win since December 18.

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Indeed their last home match in La Liga saw them succumb to a stunning and highly unexpected defeat to Real Sociedad, while Sunday saw them held to a 2-2 draw at lowly Racing Santander.

So even though the 9/2 (5.50) offered by William Hill on the home win might look tempting it is difficult to back a team as inconsistent as Valencia. Barcelona have struggled away from home this season though, managing just three victories in the league on their travels and really struggling to find the back of the net.

The Catalans dropped points when they visited Mestalla back in September with the match finishing as an enthralling 2-2 draw.

Punting on football is all about trying to find value, and the 21/20 (2.05) offered by Hills on Barcelona to win the first half looks to be a great bet.

Barcelona are of course more than capable of dismantling any team they come across, and better than even money on them to win a half of football is an unmissable price, even more so when you consider that Valencia have only been winning at half-time in two of their last eight matches.

For slightly higher odds, have a look at the 7/4 (2.75) offered on over 3.5 goals. Barcelona have been involved in 24 matches this season in all competitions with four goals or more.



Bet of the Day: Barcelona to win the first half at 21/20 with William Hill

Value Bet: Over 3.5 Goals at 7/4 with William Hill

Sign up with William Hill for a free £25 bet

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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