Valencia v Villarreal Bet Builder Stats & Predictions
Valencia v Villarreal
Kick Off: Saturday 31st August, 20:30
Competition: La Liga
Watch Live: Premier Sports, La Liga TV
For the very latest expert football betting predictions, covering matches across every top European division, head over to Andy’s Bet Club. Along with a vast array of betting tips, you’ll also find free tools to aid your punting, including cheat sheets.
It has been a tough start to the campaign for Valencia, currently rock bottom of La Liga having lost all three games so far. Worryingly for them, they now face a Villarreal side in great form, undefeated in their first three games, in the Derby of the Community.
Villarreal head into this local rivalry as pre-match favourites, although it was Valencia who had the upper hand last time these sides met at the Mestalla Stadium. That game finished 3-1, helped by a brace from Pepelu after converting two penalty kicks.
Match stats: Goals on the agenda
In the previous La Liga campaign, Villarreal proved to be one of the most entertaining and high-scoring teams in the league, with over 2.5 match goals landing in 25 of their 38 games. This was the joint-highest total in the division, highlighting their attacking style of play.
This trend has carried over into the new season as well, as evidenced by their recent encounter with Celta Vigo. That match turned into an absolute spectacle, with both teams contributing to a seven-goal thriller. It could have been more too, as the game featured 44 shots, 14 big chances and 6.41 xG in total. Villarreal have been involved in the most goals in La Liga so far, having seen 14 goals in their opening three games.
Given Villarreal’s tendency to engage in high-scoring affairs and their track record from last season, backing over 2.5 goals at 1.8 looks great value. Valencia too have been relatively poor defensively, conceding six goals in their opening three games. Los Ches have seen over 2.5 goals in two of their three games so far.
Prediction:
Over 2.5 goals @ 1.80
Goal stats: Duro and Moreno likely to strike
In what promises to be a high-scoring encounter, Hugo Duro stands out as Valencia’s key player to watch. Since Roman Yaremchuk’s departure, Duro has taken on a more central role in the team’s attack, now partnered up front with André Almeida. After finishing as Valencia’s top scorer last season with 13 goals, Duro opened his account against Barcelona in their opening game of the season.
Villarreal’s backline has shown vulnerability to start the season, conceding six goals in the opening three games. This leaky defence could provide the perfect opportunity for Duro to capitalise and add to his goal count – backing Duro to score anytime at odds of 3.0 seems like excellent value.
On the other side of the field, Gerard Moreno is the shortest price to score in this game, at 2.75. He netted ten goals in the previous campaign, but should see an increased role in the absence of Alexander Sorloth, who scored 24 goals last season.
Valencia have been poor defensively so far, which can certainly be exploited. Gerard Moreno got on the scoresheet last time he appeared at the Mestalla Stadium, so will be looking to repeat that feat.
Predictions:
Hugo Duro to score anytime @ 3.0
Gerard Moreno to score anytime @ 2.75
Corner stats: Expect a flurry of corner action
Anticipating plenty of goalmouth action, the corner line for this match feels somewhat conservative. In Villarreal’s most recent outing, the game was packed with attacking play, leading to a staggering 44 shots in total, generating 11 corners.
In total, Villarreal have seen at least nine corners in two of their three league games so far. Last season, they conceded the fourth-most corners in the league – only Granada, Las Palmas and Almeria gave up more. Overall, Villarreal saw an average of 9.8 corners per game last campaign.
Cristhian Mosquera: From Futsal to Valencia’s Defensive Rock
Valencia’s games have also been lively in terms of corners, with their first two matches of the season producing 11 corners each, before eight in the most recent game against Athletic Club. Valencia ranked rock-bottom in the league for corners last season, but they have started to play more progressive football, hence the uptick this season. Given the attacking intent and frequency of chances being created by both sides, over 8.5 Corners looks another solid pick.
Predictions:
Over 8.5 Corners @ 1.57
By: @AndysBetClubUK
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
18+ Bet Responsibly