Prediction: Valencia vs Betis

Verdict: Real Betis to go through – yes

Best Odds: 11/4

Bookmaker: 888sport

The 2018-19 Copa del Rey already has FC Barcelona as the first finalist, but now it’s time to meet which team will face Los Blaugranas in the decisive match. Real Betis and Valencia played out a 2-2 draw in the first leg at Estadio Benito Villamarin, so everything is up for grabs in the return leg to be played at Mestalla this Thursday. This pivotal Copa encounter will kick-off at 20:00 hrs GMT.

Valencia

Undoubtedly, Valencia are going through their best form of the season at the moment. They reached the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 after dispatching Celtic, are one game away from the Copa del Rey final, and have also improved their position in the La Liga standings. Of course, they have no chance to repeat their Top 4 finish from last season, but they’re undoubtedly on the rise and the numbers back that up. Los Che have gone undefeated in each of their last nine games across all competitions (W4, D5). They have had a few problems in front of goal, though, since they have scored one of fewer goals in four of their last five matches. Los Che have already eliminated Ebro, Sporting Gijon and Getafe, while posting a W4, D1, L2 mark so far in this competition. To make things even better for them, they already scored two goals away from home so they have a decent path towards the final.

Team News

Valencia will be almost at full strength entering this game. The lone confirmed absentee will be Ezequiel Garay.

Real Betis

Betis, on the other hand, are not going through their best form at the moment. They looked impressive during the UEFA Europa League group stage, but they crashed out of the tournament following a 4-6 aggregate loss against Ligue 1 outfit Rennes. Plus, their W2, D1, L2 form in their most recent five Liga matches does not inspire much confidence, either. But Betis remain undefeated in the Copa del Rey so far, notching three wins and four draws across seven games in the tournament; they already eliminated Racing Santander, Real Sociedad, and Espanyol. Can they keep that run going for, at least, 90 more minutes? They have their backs against the wall, though. After conceding two home goals in the opener, they know they must win – or draw by a 3-3 score or higher – in order to face Barcelona in the final. Undoubtedly, a tough task the one that’s in front of them. But Los Beticos are good enough to mount the comeback, or straight up secure the win at Mestalla.

Team News

Real Betis won’t have two important players ahead of this tie. These are Cristian Tello and Junior Firpo.

Key Factors to Consider

• Three of the last five H2H meetings between these two sides have ended in draws.
• That same amount (three of five) H2H meetings at Mestalla have produced under 2.5 goals scored.
• Valencia are on an impressive run of form, since they have gone undefeated in their last nine matches in all competitions (W4, D5).
• Meanwhile, Betis have won just one of their last five matches in all competitions: W1, D2, L2.
• Betis have reached the final four times, registering two wins and two losses. Meanwhile, Valencia have done it 16 times: W7, L9.

Conclusion

Betis crashed out of the UEFA Europa League last week, while Valencia remain alive on Europe. This could be a deciding factor, as Los Verdiblancos know this is their only chance to get silverware during the current term. That motivation component could be key, and they’re going to pull the upset and qualify for the final.

Verdict: Real Betis to go through – yes

Best Odds: 11/4

Bookmaker: 888sport