Preview: Valencia vs. Real Betis - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors, meanwhile, are unbeaten in four matches in all competitions, and they will be searching for a victory that will move them into the top four.

Match preview

Gennaro Gattuso's tenure began with two defeats in three games, but Valencia looked to have adapted to his possession-based style when they picked up 10 points from their next five matches.

Unfortunately for the Valencia boss, his side have experienced a slump in form, and as a result, they are winless in five games.

In their most recent outing, Valencia had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad despite playing over 70 minutes with a one-man advantage.

Real Sociedad took an early lead courtesy of a Hugo Guillamon own goal before Elustondo was shown a straight red card in the 17th minute, and although Samuel Lino restored parity eight minutes later, Valencia were unable to find a winner during the remainder of the contest.

Although they are experiencing a poor run of results, Valencia will be confident of finding the net against Real Betis after scoring in nine of their last 10 games.

Meanwhile, Real Betis are enjoying another successful season under Manuel Pellegrini, who has already led his side into the last 16 of the Europa League, while their league form has also been impressive.

They have only lost one of their last six league games after playing out an eventful 1-1 draw against local rivals Sevilla in Sunday's derby contest.

A Jesus Navas own goal gave Betis the lead after Sevilla's Gonzalo Montiel had been sent off, but Pellegrini's side found themselves at a numerical disadvantage when Nabil Fekir and Borja Iglesias were both shown straight red cards.

Los Verdiblancos did their utmost to hold on to claim all three points, but Nemanja Gudelj's 81st-minute equaliser ensured that Betis had to be content with a point apiece.

While Thursday's visitors have only recorded two victories in their six away league matches this term, they have won their last two away games against Valencia in La Liga, and if they can secure all three points on Thursday, then they will head into the World Cup break in the top four.

Valencia La Liga form:

W

D

D

L

L

D

Real Betis La Liga form:

D

W

D

L

W

D

Real Betis form (all competitions):

D

L

W

W

W

D

Team News

Ilaix Moriba, Mouctar Diakhaby and Jaume Domenech are ruled out for Valencia with injuries, while Edinson Cavani is a doubt.

After being forced off in the first half against Real Sociedad, Gabriel Paulista is also expected to be sidelined, and he could be replaced in the starting lineup by Cenk Ozkacar.

Hugo Duro featured as a second-half substitute in Sunday's draw, and the forward may be given the opportunity to lead the line against Betis.

As for the visitors, they are without the services of Joaquin, Luiz Felipe, Juanmi and Victor Camarasa due to injury issues.

Fekir and Iglesias will both miss out through suspension, which could result in Luiz Henrique and Willian Jose being presented with places in the starting lineup.

Pellegrini may be tempted to bring goalkeeper Rui Silva back into the side, while Rodri Sanchez could replace Ruibal.

Valencia possible starting lineup:

Mamardashvili; Correia, Ozkacar, Comert, Gaya; Musah, Guillamon, Almeida; Kluivert, Lino, Duro

Real Betis possible starting lineup:

Silva; Sabaly, Pezzella, Gonzalez, Moreno; Carvalho, Rodriguez; Henrique, Canales, Rodri; Willian Jose

We say: Valencia 1-2 Real Betis

Although Betis have only won two away games in LaLiga this season, they are currently unbeaten in their previous five away matches in all competitions, and we think that they will continue that run by claiming a narrow victory against Valencia.

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