Prediction and odds for the game: Valencia (21/10) v Atletico Madrid (29/20)
We are backing the draw at odds of 29/20
When: Friday 14th February 2020, Kick-off 8 PM
Where: The Mestalla
On Friday night, Valencia and Atletico Madrid go head-to-head at the Mestalla, in a massive game in the fight for La Liga’s Champions League spots.
Valencia
Los Ches have endured a rollercoaster of a season so far in La Liga. A record of two wins and two defeats in their last four league outings rather sums up the home sides fortunes in the Spanish top-flight. Last time out, Albert Celades’ team suffered a 3-0 defeat at high-flying Getafe.
Despite the defeat in the capital, Valencia are still level on points with Real Sociedad, who occupy the last Champions League berth. They are also just five points outside the top-four spots.
One encouraging factor for Los Ches in recent months is their record at the Mestalla in La Liga. In fact, Valencia have lost just once in their last 25 home games in the Spanish top-flight. Celades’ team can also boost of five home wins in their last six league outings in the Spanish top-flight.
The home sides recent defensive displays have proven key to their recent good home form, as they have kept clean sheets in four of their last six home matches in La Liga.
Atletico Madrid
Los Rojiblancos are experiencing a rough patch at the minute, which has led to question marks over the future over highly-rated Argentinian head coach Diego Simeone.
A narrow 1-0 victory over Granada last time out in La Liga at least ended a three-game winless run for the visitors in the Spanish top-flight. The win was also enough to keep Atletico in the top-four, although fifth-place Sevilla are level on points with Simeone’s team.
Atletico have struggled for attacking inspiration this season. To make matters worse, first-choice forward players Alvaro Morata and Joao Felix have missed recent games due to injury. It is unclear if either will feature in this clash either.
The visitors head into this clash with a poor recent away record in the Spanish top-flight, having won just once in their last eight matches on their travels. Los Rojiblancos have suffered two straight league losses at their travels against Eibar and last time out Real Madrid. Their recent away games in La Liga have been tight affairs, with under 2.5 goals scored in ten of their last 11 matches.
Conclusion
This game is a difficult one to predict, as Valencia are strong on home soil, while despite a poor run, Atletico are still difficult to beat. With those two factors in mind, we are backing the draw. The other bet we recommend is under 2.5 goals scored. Valencia are not the most potent team in attack and Atletico still have the second-best defence in La Liga, despite their struggles.
Verdict: We are backing the draw at odds of 21/10 and/or the under 2.5 goals scored at odds of 8/15. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Who will come out on top at the Mestalla?
