Analysis:

Valencia who have won their last two matches goes into this match knowing that they must win and get the three points as they are battling with Real Madrid for the 2nd and automatic qualification to the Champions League next season and also they have to win as a draw could see them drop to fourth spot shouldmReal Madrid win their match and Osasuna get the three points against Malaga.

Valencia have a good record at The Mestalla stadium with 8 wins, 7 draws and just 1 defeat. Their problem have been converting draws into wins as they have a high number of draws at home. In fact in their last four matches played, they have drawn three of those with only their last match being a 5-3 high scoring win over Cadiz second from the bottom in La Liga. Their other games at home have seen them ending in draws against Villarreal, Real Madrid and Getafe.

Perhaps the difference is those draws have come against sides battling for a place in Europe - either the Champions League or the UEFA Cup, but for Espanyol, they are currently 16 and are battling against relegation but their caused is helped by the fact that even a defeat would not see them in the bottom three as Alaves and Mallorca's match ended in a draw and both sides could not overtake Espanyol after this weekend's games.

Valencia have won their last two matches against Cadiz 5-3 at from home and beaten Celta Vigop 1-0 in their last match, so they would like to keep the momentum going with a third staright win here. Espanyol meanwhile have not won in their last four matches now since the defeat to Osasuna losing 4-2 at home. Their last four games all ended in draws. In their last six games it has been 1 win, 1 defeat and 4 draws. The win has come at home against Celta Vigo - a top ten side, while the defeat has come away from home against Osasuna also a top ten side, in fact a top five side. So with Valencia a top three side, they should be able to break the resistance of Espanyol and get the win here.

With the handicap being 1 ball, the question is whether Valencia can score more than a goal; to beat the handicap? Either way, even with a 1 goal win, it will be a draw on the handicap.

Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser

The Pick :

Valencia to win 2-0

PERCENTAGE ESTIMATE :

Valencia 68% - Draw 22% - Espanyol 10%

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Valencia to win this match.

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Valencia and give the 1 ball away here.