Overview
Valencia started the La Liga season with a 0-0 draw against Celta Vigo. This result was not too bad, but still left regret when Carlos Corberan's team missed many scoring opportunities.
The ability to take advantage of opportunities is also an issue Valencia needs to improve after a not-so-impressive pre-season preparation period. Los Che did not win in the last 3 friendly matches and have not yet created a feeling of being sharp enough in attack.
The upcoming home match will therefore be of great significance to Valencia. This is an opportunity for them to seek their first victory and create momentum for the season they aim to compete for a European cup spot.
Last season, Valencia won 13 matches, drew 10 matches and suffered 15 defeats after 38 rounds, ranking 9th with 49 points. The only 2-point gap with the group that won tickets to European cups shows that Los Che are not too far from the target they are aiming for this season.
The advantage of Mestalla stadium can also help Valencia feel more confident. In the last 15 times hosting opponents from Andalusia, Valencia has won 8 matches, drawn 3 and only suffered 4 defeats.
On the other side, Real Betis had a more favorable start when they defeated Real Sociedad 1-0 in the opening match. Rodrigo Riquelme scored the decisive goal in the 63rd minute, bringing the first 3 points for Manuel Pellegrini's team.
This victory gives Betis more confidence before their first away game of the season. Last season, they finished in 5th place and won the right to participate in the Champions League. Therefore, their goal in the new season is to maintain their position in the leading group.
Betis also had a fairly positive summer in the transfer market. Facundo Bernal, Fran Garcia and Troy Parrott are notable rookies brought in to strengthen the squad depth.
In terms of recent head-to-head record, the two teams do not have too much difference. In the last 5 encounters, Betis won 2 matches, Valencia won 1 match and 2 encounters ended in a draw.
Personnel situation
Valencia continues to be without Sergi Canos after a anterior cruciate ligament injury in April. Alberto Mari, Jose Copete and Diego Lopez have also not been able to return due to fitness issues.
Justin De Haas, who started in the match against Celta Vigo, is likely to be absent for at least a week. This defender had to leave the field in the first half after receiving an early yellow card and being injured.
Luis Rioja has returned to training and Carlos Corberan may consider him for the upcoming match. Meanwhile, Dimitri Foulquier is still practicing separate recovery and is unlikely to participate.
On Real Betis' side, Diego Conde and Aitor Ruibal continue to be absent. Ismael Barea is still in the process of recovering from a anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Giovanni Lo Celso cannot return due to a muscle injury, and Gonzalo Petit has a thigh problem. Abde Ezzalzouli is also out of action due to a knee injury.
Expected lineup:
Valencia: Dimitrievski, Vazquez, Tarrega, Diakhaby, Gaya, Ugrinic, Guerra, Rodriguez, Pepelu, Sato, Umar.
Real Betis: Valles, Garcia, Natan, Bartra, Bellerin, Roca, Bernal, Fornals, Riquelme, Hernandez, Antony.
The match between Valencia and Real Betis takes place at 2:00 AM on August 26 (Vietnam time).
