Espanyol - Sevilla Betting Preview: Why a low-scoring affair looks likely on Friday
Dec 7, 2012 9:36:00 AM
With neither side in particularly inspiring form and struggling in front of goal, our Spanish expert Phil Kitromilides is backing less than three goals to be scored in Barcelona
On that May evening at Hampden Park the match finished 1-1 in 90 minutes before Sevilla eventually won on penalties and Marathon Bet price another draw at 49/20 (3.45) which does hold considerable appeal considering the recent form guide.
The fortunes of the two sides have fallen dramatically since the showpiece final more than five years ago, with the Catalans particularly struggling this season, leading them to relieve manager Mauricio Pochettino of his duties just two weeks ago. The Argentine has been replaced by no nonsense Mexican Javier Aguirre, who in his first match in charge last weekend stopped a run of four successive defeats by drawing 0-0 at Granada.
Sevilla meanwhile have been infuriatingly inconsistent and in their 2-1 home defeat to Valldolid on Monday they were at times extremely poor. Neither side inspire much confidence with the Andalusians the marginal favourites at 42/25 (2.68) while the hosts are offered at 44/25 (2.76).
With Sevilla having lost their last four away games in La Liga and Espanyol failing to score in any of their last four competitive matches at home, a low-scoring draw could be on the cards and the price of 49/20 (3.45) for the stalemate looks to be a decent shout for a value bet. But the more serious bet should be investing in under 2.5 goals at 23/25 (1.92).
As mentioned previously Espanyol have been particularly shy in front of goal with their total of 13 goals in 14 league matches the third lowest in the division.
Sevilla meanwhile are missing key attacking players in the likes of Alvaro Negredo and Manu Del Moral, blunting their forward line. Both league meetings between these two sides last season saw less than three goals scored and this looks like another solid selection for Friday night's match.
|
|
BET |
OF THE |
DAY |
| BEST BET |
VALUE BET |
| Under 2.5 goals at 23/25 (1.92) with Marathon Bet |
The draw at 49/20 (3.45) with Marathon Bet |
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Phil Kitromilides is a sports broadcaster working on radio and TV in London and Madrid. You can also follow Phil on Twitter.
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