Osasuna - Valencia Betting Preview: Why under 2.5 goals looks a nailed on selection

Dec 11, 2012 10:00:00 AM

With the Copa del Rey holding little appeal to either side, our Spanish expert Phil Kitromilides believes a low-scoring affair is extremely likely

Tonight's Copa del Rey encounter sees Osasuna host Valencia a mere three days after the league meeting between the two sides at the Reyno de Navarra stadium.

On Saturday the visitors ran out victors by the slenderest of margins, defeating Osasuna 1-0 and another win for Valencia can be backed at 13/8 (2.62) with William Hill. A home win meanwhile is offered at 9/5 (2.80) with the draw available at 21/10 (3.10).

One of the many flaws of the Copa del Rey is that the draw is made all the way through to the final. Teams are therefore aware of their potential opponents in the next round before they have even kicked off and awaiting these two sides should they progress will almost certainly be Real Madrid.

The fact that all Copa del Rey matches are played over two legs naturally favours the bigger sides thus meaning that neither Osasuna nor Valencia will fancy their chances of eliminating Madrid over two legs.

This is an important point to bear in mind given possible team selection, and we are likely to see two much-changed starting line ups from the league encounter at the weekend.

Backing a low-scoring affair looks tempting then, with the price of 13/20 (1.65) for under 2.5 goals looking unmissable when you consider the statistics.

Matches involving Osasuna are comfortably the lowest scoring in the Spanish top flight, with the outfit from Pamplona the only side averaging less than two goals in their games (1.87). Each of their last five matches in all competitions has gone under 2.5 goals, with this bet paying out on 12 occasions already this season in games involving Osasuna.

Valencia for their part have been far from prolific with seven of their last nine competitive away games all seeing less than three goals scored. The price of 13/20 (1.65) is just about big enough for some serious investment or alternatively this bet can be used as part of a multiple.

For some higher odds, trying backing a goal-less game which is offered at 8/1 (9.00).

BET

OF THE

DAY

BEST BET

VALUE BET

Under 2.5 goals at 13/20 (1.65) with William Hill

Correct score 0-0 at 8/1 (9.00) with William Hill

Sign up with William Hill for a free £25 bet and back Phil's selections for this match

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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