Valencia host Chelsea in a crucial Group H encounter in the Champions League. Both teams, along with Dutch giants Ajax, are tied on seven points. Whoever wins at the Mestalla will book their spot in the last 16. Here is the Big Game Focus. Bet on this game here.
Valencia registered an important 1-0 win against Chelsea in the first leg at Stamford Bridge and are hoping to repeat the same tonight. With Chelsea, Ajax and Los Che tied on seven points; this is a high stakes match and whoever wins this one will go through, leaving the loser to battle it out with Ajax for second spot Group H.
Chelsea are heading into this encounter following a 2-1 loss away to Manchester City in the Premier League this past weekend. The Blues lost this encounter in the first leg and victory will see them qualify for the last 16 due to their head-to-head record among the trio. A draw would make for a fascinating final round of matches.
Betting preview
Los Che have lost just once at home this season in all competitions. They have won three of the last four games at home. Before Saturday’s loss to City, Chelsea had won seven straight away matches. Frank Lampard’s side have failed to turn up in big matches this season and taking into account the magnitude of this match, they’ll have to deliver a good performance at the Mestalla. You can back a Home Double Chance at odds of 1.80.
Four of Chelsea’s last five matches in all competitions have seen three or more goals scored. The Blues’ last match in the competition saw them draw 4-4 with Ajax in a thriller. Three of Valencia’s last four matches have seen Over 2.5 Goals. Therefore, you can back Over 2.5 Goals in this match at odds of 1.65.
Both teams have found the back of the net in four of the hosts’ last five matches in all competitions. In Chelsea’s last five matches in all competitions, both teams have scored in four of them. For that reason, you can back Both Teams to Score at odds of 1.55.
Team news
Callum Hudson-Odoi will be unavailable for the Blues after picking up an injury on international duty. Antonio Rudiger remains sidelined but is closing in on a return, while Ross Barkley did not travel to Spain.
Valencia may opt for Kevin Gameiro up front, but Denis Cheryshev’s return from injury may have come too late for this game.
Possible line-ups
Valencia: Cillessen, Costa, Gabriel, Mangala, Gaya, Torres, Wass, Parejo, Vallejo, Rodrigo, Gomez
Chelsea: Arrizabalaga, James, Tomori, Zouma, Azpilicueta, Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic, Willian, Abraham, Mount