Valencia - Osasuna Betting Preview: Why less than three goals looks highly likely

8 Jan 2013 12:08:00

After three winning selections over the weekend in La Liga, our Spanish expert Phil Kitromilides turns his attentions to the cup and is backing under 2.5 goals tonight

The second leg of this Copa del Rey last 16 clash is a game neither side will be particularly interested in. Leading 2-0 from the first leg against a struggling Osasuna team, Valencia will feel the tie is practically sewn up.

The team from Pamplona, meanwhile, are rock bottom of the Liga table and surely will be more focused on survival than turning around a two-goal deficit.

It is likely then that we will see both coaches make plenty of changes to their sides, with William Hill pricing a home win at 1/2 (1.50) while Osasuna can be backed at 6/1 (7.00) and the draw offered at 3/1 (4.00).

Yet given the slightly sterile nature of the second leg and the fact that the match is not of pressing importance to either side, backing under 2.5 goals at 10/11 (1.91) looks to be a great option.

This was the tip for the first leg and it comfortably paid out while this has also proved to be the correct selection in eight of the last nine competitive matches that Osasuna have played.

For a value bet try backing a goal-less first half at 21/10 (3.10), with this bet paying out in seven of Osasuna's last nine fixtures in all competitions.

This bet also paid in the two previous meetings between the sides this season, which Valencia won 1-0 and 2-0 respectively, with all the goals coming in the second half.