Genoa v Valencia: Betting Preview

Genoa v Valencia

Genoa need to beat Valencia if they are to be sure of progressing to the knock-out stages of the Europa League but that’s easier said than done against a side who can boast such talents as David Villa and a wonderfully in-form Joaquin, says Betfair’s Richard Aikman.

Genoa need to beat Valencia in order to be sure of a place in the next round of the Europa League but despite boasting a strong home record in Europe, they will have their work cut out to overcome one of the best sides in Spain.

The last time Genoa lost in this competition at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium was when Ajax tripped them up in the 1992 semi-finals but Valencia at 2.76 are capable of ending that sequence, given the pedigree of players at their disposal.

Before the weekend Los Che had not lost in 15 matches in all competitions, and although that run ended on Saturday night it came against mighty Real Madrid in a thrilling five-goal encounter. David Villa and Joaquin cancelled out both of Gonzalo Higuain’s strikes before substitute Ezequiel Garay grabbed the late winner.

Unai Emery’s men will be frustrated by that result but they know that they can take heart from that display, not to mention Monday’s signing of Argentinian playmaker Alejandro Dominguez from Rubin Kazan. ‘Chori’ will not be eligible to play on Wednesday but that won’t worry the Spanish side as they have the quality to overcome an out-of-sorts Genoa side.

The Rossoblu made a fine start to the campaign but have won just once in five matches and the fact they have come undone to lowly Livorno and, on Sunday, struggling Lazio suggests this match has come at the wrong time for Gian Piero Gasperini’s men, who should be bigger than the current odds of 2.8.

Il Grifone gave a good account of themselves when losing 3-2 to the Spaniards at the Mestalla, but the fact that Valencia need a result to be sure of gong through will work against Italy’s oldest side. Emery may persevere with his policy of resting David Villa but with Joaquin finally finding his feet after years of underachievement, it is worth backing the winger to add to the three goals he has already managed in four European matches.

• Back Valencia to win @ 2.76

Reproduced with permission from betting.Betfair.com. © The Sporting Exchange Limited

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