[Mario]

Spain La Liga
11/23/2014

Levante vs Valencia

Home - Levante
Last away matches - D-L-D-D-W-D

Although Levante are still in the relegation zone, it should be noted that team already made an improvement under new coach Lucas Alcaraz. First of all, they scored first goals at home and got points from a game against Almeria. It’s also worth to notice that they managed to get 1 point from a game against Sevilla, at a very tough ground Sanchez Pizjuan. Now, there comes another tough test, derby match against Valencia. “They are favourites. Considering the amount of points they have, their position in the table, budget, Valencia must be regarded as favourites to win the game. We are coming into this game in good frame of mind, after good matches against Almeria and Sevilla, but Valencia are top quality team and it will be very hard,” said defender David Navarro. “For our fans derby is the most important game of season. We are working hard and we will try to win this game. But it will be hard, Valencia have very strong squad this season, they score almost 3 goals per game in this campain,” said midfielder Ruben Garcia. Hector Rodas, Pedro Lopez and Gavilan resumed trainings but it’s too early for them to feature in league match. Rafael Martins still remains injured. Lucas Alcaraz decided not to call up El Adoua, Xumetra and Víctor Pérez for this game.

Away - Valencia
Last away matches - W-L-D-W-D-L

Valencia are doing well, but just before the international break ‘Los Che’ only managed to get a goalless draw against Athletic Bilbao at Mestalla and in fact they were closer to losing than winning this match. Now, there comes first derby of Valencia city for coach Nuno Espirito Santo. “We have good feelings, but it will be a difficult match. We are concentrated and motivated. Although we realize how important this game is, we are preparing for this encounter as for any other. Levante have improved with coach Lucas Alcaraz. They have a clear idea of playing football and they are more efficient now. Levante proved their quality in the last games against Almeria and Sevilla. They have top quality players such as Ruben, Barral or Ivanschitz,” said coach Nuno. Good news is that midfielder Dani Parejo has a chance of recovering in time for this game, but Paco Alcacer is definitely sidelined, besides left-back Gaya is a major doubt.

Asian Handicap
Home - (+0.75)
Away - (-0.75)
Pick - Valencia (-0.75)
Odds - 2.23
Stakes - 8/10
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Spain La Liga
11/23/2014

Elche vs Cordoba

Home - Elche
Last away matches - D-L-D-L-W-L

Elche defeated Espanyol at the beginning of the month, to earn their first three points at home and Jonathas was the artisan of that victory. The Brazilian striker has scored more goals this season than all his teammates combined, which says a great deal about his ability to play, but also the weakness of other players. He will play tonight for sure but he will be probably accompanied by Rodriguez.It's been a while since Elche didn't have any players injured or suspended and the timing couldn't be better, since this is a game of critical importance. Córdoba is not a top opponent but one that they are competing against in the race to avoid relegation, so any points split are points lost.

Away - Cordoba
Last away matches - W-L-D-L-D-L

Córdoba is a mess and with Ghillas being the best scorer, it is unlikely that things will change for the better in the foreseeable future. The Algerian striker has three goals to his name and will be the only player to feature in the offensive tonight. Another draw on the road wouldn't help him too much, but as things are going right now, the visitors would gladly settle for a single point.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-0.75)
Away - (+0.75)
Pick - Elche (-0.75)
Odds - 2.38
Stakes - 9/10
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Spain La Liga
11/23/2014

Villarreal vs Getafe

Home - Villarreal
Last away matches - D-L-L-W-D-D

Villarreal are not doing well in the recent weeks. Since the end of October team lost 3 matches (2 in La Liga and 1 in Europa League) and got 1:1 draw from La Liga match against Espanyol. Players are now optimistic after the international break. “We will have a lot of games this month. Our aims for the next few weeks are to qualify to the next phase of Europa League and get close to the European spots in La Liga. We need to remain confident. Getafe are a very strong team, but we have also quality and we are playing at home so we must look for all 3 points,” said defender Gabriel. “Team spirit is very good and we remain united. There were always a great atmosphere in the dressing room. We need to end recent bad run and we need to start moving up again. That’s why game against Getafe is very important. El Madrigal must be our fortress. It’s the most important match of this season for us so far. I am very happy at this club and I am thankful for the coach. I’m becoming better and better footballer,” said striker Gerard Moreno. “Recently we dropped some points in the final minutes of games, in the past such things didn’t happen. We need to win 2 or 3 games in a row. International breaks are always helpful when you’re in bad run,” said midfielder Manu Trigueros. So, hosts are motivated to get a win. However, it may not be easy cause a couple of very important players may miss this game. Giovani dos Santos is out, captain Bruno Soriano is very doubtful. Musacchio, Perez and Jokic are long-term injuries.

Away - Getafe
Last away matches - W-W-L-L-L-D

Getafe had poor start, but now things are looking much better for them. Team lost just 1 game out of last 6, against Spanish champions Atletico Madrid, and even this loss was undeserved. Good news is that finally Pedro Leon has been granted permission to play, but anyway he won’t feature in this match. Getafe don’t want to take risks cause they didn’t receive official note. Coach Cosmin Contra is looking forward for the Sunday’s match: “They are a good team and they are very strong at El Madrigal. But we are feeling confident, we’re in good shape and we want to get a good result.” Carlos Vigaray and Diego Castro are back to match squad, but Getafe have some problems with the defenders as Juan Valera and Alexis are still out.

Asian Handicap
Home - (-1.00)
Away - (+1.00)
Pick - Getafe (+1.00)
Odds - 2.14
Stakes - 8/10