12-12-2007 La Liga Betting - Matchday 16 Preview

With Jose Mourinho pulling out of the race for the England manager’s job, the Spanish media is working itself into a frenzy over the likelihood of the ‘Special One’ taking over one of Spain’s big two clubs. With the January transfer window approaching plenty of rumours regarding player movement are also circulating. Though this kind of speculation is common in the Spanish media, serious bettors will always pay attention to news on the wire, sorting the wheat from the chaff, and using it to their advantage. Professional soccer punters are also likely to hold an account with PinnacleSports.com who offer up to 60% better La Liga betting odds.

Having failed to score in five straight games in all competitions, Valencia were dealt a cruel blow at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, with an injury to star striker, David Villa. He limped off with a thigh strain, which gives coach, Ronald Koeman, a head-ache ahead of the weekend’s home game with Barcelona. Since the Dutchman took charge Los Che have struggled to build any momentum, slipping to seventh in the table, and suffering heavy home defeats to Real Madrid (5-1) and Athletic Bilbao (3-0). On Sunday they host Barcelona looking to avoid another humiliating loss.

Barca recorded a 2-1 home win against Deportivo last weekend, when Ronaldinho silenced some of his doubters with a committed performance, and a goal, albeit a penalty. The Catalans must now transfer their home form onto the road where they have won just once in seven games this season, allowing Real Madrid to build a four point gap at the top of the table. The spectre of Jose Mourinho continues to hang over coach Frank Rijkaard, who is struggling to find a successful formation to win away from home. Thierry Henry has attracted criticism, but will have to wait prove himself, being currently injured. Barca have lost on the last two visits to the Mestalla, but given Valencia’s poor current form, PinnacleSports.com make Barcelona favourites 1.840 (0/scratch & -0.5) with Valencia 2.090 (0/scratch & +0.5).

Real Madrid Looking to Build Healthy Lead Before Christmas

With a virtually fully fit squad at his disposal, Real Madrid coach, Bernd Schuster, will be looking to take advantage of his side’s healthy disposition to further their lead at the top of La Liga before it breaks for the Christmas period. Los Blancos left Basque country last weekend with three points, beating Athletic Bilbao 1-0, maintaining a four point lead over Barcelona on second place. Real return to the Nou Camp this weekend for a game against 14th placed Osasuna.

Los Rojillos began the season with an encouraging draw against Barca but their form has otherwise been indifferent. They are unbeaten in three recent games, including an away victory at Deportivo, but have taken just a single point from the last six meetings with Real Madrid. Coach, Jose Angel Ziganda, is following a policy of using young talent at the Pamplona club, who will gain valuable experience from playing at the Bernabeu, but will find it tough against star-studded Madrid side who are currently in top gear, as demonstrated by the emphatic 3-1 midweek Champions League over Lazio. PinnacleSports.com price Real Madrid 1.847 (-1 & -1.5) with Osasuna 2.090 (+1 & +1.5).

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