Valencia v Deportivo La Coruna
Football : Spain : Primera Division
Saturday, 24th April 2010 - Kickoff 9pm

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Match Analysis :

Finishing 3rd spot for Valencia would be a good achievement as Barcelona and Real Madrid are in a class of its own. Los Che can do so if they pick up a few more wins in their remaining games as they are 4 points ahead of Malaga.

Despite a strong league position finish for Valencia, manager Unai Emery could be leaving at the end of this season as the Valencia fans would believes that Valencia are capable in winning silverware. However, with David Villa and David Silva both potential leavers in the summer, I can't see Valencia finishing 3rd again next season.

Following last weekend’s 2-0 defeat against Real Madrid, Valencia could pick themselves up this weekend as the host a struggling Deportivo team in recent weeks. Deportivo started the season well and look promising to qualify for Europe. But injuries have hit the team hard resulted in a string of poor performance and are unlikely to qualify for Europe next season.

Emery will be without David Navarro, Bruni Saltor and Angel Dealbert while Zigic should make the bench as he managed to shake of a knock. On the other hand, Miguel Angel Lotina is missing a lot of players ahead of this game. Andres Guardado, Rodolfo Bodipo, Angulo and Juca are all out injured but Mista will be available aganst for Lotina’s selection.

Deportivo have lost 5 of their last 6 away on the road while Valencia are in good form at home recently as they have picked up 5 wins for their last 6 home games.

Asian Handicap Analysis :

Under the asianhandicap line, Valencia have won 8 games from a possible 16 at home, drawing 1 and losing 7, a 50% winning ratio at home under the handicap line.

Deportivo La Coruna has an identical record as Valencia. Deportivo has won 8 games from a possible 16, drawing 1 and losing 7 on the road this season under the handicap line.

More interestingly, 6 out of these 7 losses came since the start of the calendar year. Therefore in the entire 2010, Deportivo have only won against Zaragoza, Malaga and Sevilla on the handicap line.

The Betting Verdict :

With so many players missing for Deportivo and their recent poor form, i expect Valencia to pick up all three points today. With Unai Emery future uncertain, his only chance in retaining his position next season would be to finish 3rd spot and qualify for Champions League.

The strike force of David Villa, David Silva and Juan Mata have been good this season as Valencia are the leading goal scorers in the league if we exclude Barcelona and Real Madrid.

David Villa have 20 goals to his name this season and i expect the Spanish international to add to his tally in this game as Deportivo are simply woeful on the road. With Lotina missing many first team players and have very limited players to select from due to injuries, Valencia are certainly favourites to grab all three points.

The Statistics :

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Valencia to win the game ( Main Bet)

Consider trying Valencia to keep a clean sheet but only as your side bet.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Valencia to cover -1 ball head start.