Bet of the Day: Back Barcelona to prevail against Valencia
Published:
Copa del Rey action takes centre stage
There isn’t too much football to enjoy tonight, but it’s an evening of quality over quantity as Barcelona host Valencia in the Copa del Rey.
It’s the first leg of their semi-final clash, and both sides will be going all-out to land secure a sought-after piece of silverware.
Ernesto Valverde’s Barca have proven to be a cut above the rest this season, with Lionel Messi consistently excelling.
Valencia are massively improved after a turbulent few years, and this contest has proven to be a cracker more often than not. Both teams have scored in nine of the last 12 meetings.
Magical Messi
He may be turning 31-years-old this summer, but Lionel Messi is showing no signs of slowing down.
The Argentine star has scored 27 goals from 32 appearances in all competitions this season. He’s been in scintillating form in recent weeks, netting 10 goals in his last 10 games.
And having scored 24 times in 27 appearances versus Los Che, Messi has tormented Valencia time and time again.
Messi is well-priced at 23/10 to bag the opener, while 19/10 says he grabs a brace or better.
Correct score choices
Barcelona have been mightily impressive at the back this season. They’ve kept 11 clean sheets in their last 16 at the Camp Nou.
But Valencia have netted in 12 of their last 13 away games, and have a habit of scoring against Barca. One clean sheet in their last seven away from the Mestalla suggests the visitors could be in trouble though.
So the correct score angle could prove fruitful. Coral are 17/2 about a 2-1 home win, although the same price for 3-1 result looks a better pick.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
