Real Valladolid v Racing de Santander
Football: Spain, Primera Division
Sunday, 4th January 2009 - Kickoff 16:00 GMT

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Real Valladolid (8th - Home : 6-1-1 15:5)

Valladolid have been in very good form at home over the last two months, and they have been scoring plenty of goals.

Form away from home has been more scratchy with a 0-6 thumping by Barcelona and a 3-4 loss to Numancia just before the break, underlining that there is still inconsistancy in the side.

Real Valladolid Team News :
The home side are still without keeper Sergio Asenjo and defender Javier Baraja.

Probable Valladolid Tean :
Villar
Pedro Lopez, Garcia Calvo, Prieto, Marcos
Pedro Leon, Marcos, Rubio, Sesma
Victor, Goitom

Racing de Santander (14th - Away : 2-2-4 10:15)

Santander are not a great team to watch, but they can produce good results at times and a 1-1 draw at Barcelona shows that they can get results anywhere.

However, Santander conceed plenty of goals, and with club finances stretched it's more likely that they'll be selling players rather than buying - a fact than can often cause a drop in morale for remianing players in the team.

Racing Santander Team News :
Jose Moraton is out through injury, but Tchite will probably not be risked given his transfer status meaning Nicola Zigic might take his place.

Probable Santander Team :
Coltorti
Valera, Navas, Garay, Marcano
Juanjo, Luccin, Colsa, Serrano
Munitis, Zigic

Head to Head

The recent head to head results have not been a good omen for a home win with Santander doing "a double" over Valladolid last season winning 1-0 here and 2-0 at home.

The Verdict

I like the look of Valladolid's recent home form, they're winning of course, but they are also scoring plenty of goals in doing that.

There is a risk that the "Xmas break" may cause some rusty play, but the price of 11/10 (2.10+) is well worth the risk.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Valladolid 3-1 Santander

PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE :

Valladolid 68% - Draw 20% - Santander 12%

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

I'll take VALLADOLID to win this one.