Real Betis are hoping to build on a bright start to the La Liga season when they visit Mestalla. Valencia are targeting their first win of the campaign.

Fresh injury setback for Valencia ahead of midweek clash

Valencia kicked off with a 0-0 draw at home to Celta Vigo. They set up with a 5-3-2 system, but suffered an injury blow as new signing Justin de Haas was forced off with an ankle problem.

The centre-back joins Sergi Canós, José Manuel Copete and Diego López on the sidelines. Alberto Mari and Dimitri Foulquier are also unlikely to feature, following long-term injuries.

Carlos Corberán is likely to bring Mouctar Diakhaby into the backline for this match, while fresh arrival Pablo Maffeo could be handed a full debut. The 29-year-old averaged 2.1 tackles and 3.1 clearances per game for Mallorca in La Liga last season.

Valencia predicted lineup vs Real Betis (5-3-2): Dimitrievski; Maffeo, Tárrega, Pepelu, Diakhaby, Gayà; Ugrinić, Rodríguez, Guerra; Sato, Duro.

Fornals the key as Betis search for second win

It was a promising start to the season for Real Betis, who saw off Real Sociedad 1-0 on Friday. They were missing key winger Ez Abde through injury, but his replacement stepped up, with Rodrigo Riquelme scoring the only goal.

Riquelme should keep his place for the trip to Mestalla, but Abde may be fit enough to feature off the bench. The visitors are still missing Diego Conde and Aitor Ruibal due to injuries, while Gonzalo Petit and Giovani Lo Celso are rated doubtful.

Playmaker Isco should again be involved, but after the best part of a year out, he’s not a guaranteed start. Pablo Fornals ought to continue in an advanced midfield role. He excelled with nine goals and six assists in 37 league outings last term.

Real Betis predicted lineup vs Valencia (4-2-3-1): Vallés; Bellerín, Bartra, Natan, F. García; Bernal, Roca; Antony, Fornals, Riquelme; C. Hernández.

Valencia vs Real Betis Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Real Betis to win or draw
  • Odds: 1.503 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Valencia 1-2 Real Betis
  • 22Bet Booking Code: ZDVMA

Key stats:

  • Real Betis have only lost one of their past eight league games.
  • The Andalusians have avoided defeat in four of their previous five away matches in all competitions.
  • Valencia have only won two of their last six home games against this opposition.

Real Betis have won at Mestalla in three of the previous six seasons. A strong opening performance will give them confidence ahead of this latest trip. They registered 18 shots on Friday, twice as many as Real Sociedad.

Backing the visitors to avoid defeat is the smart move. Valencia lost four of their final nine home games last term. Los Che also failed to create a single big chance against Celta Vigo on Saturday, and won only one corner across the 90 minutes.

Valencia vs Real Betis Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Cucho Hernández to score a goal including substitutions
  • Odds: 2.627 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 3L8MA

Valencia are short on central defensive options with Copete and de Haas both out. Betis striker Cucho Hernández scored 11 goals in 32 league outings last season. He’s capable of exploiting that uncertainty at the back.

Given the visitors have their new €16m striker Troy Parrott to deploy from the bench, there is value in backing Hernández to score a goal, including substitutions.

Verdict: Real Betis to win or draw (1.503) — Valencia 1-2 Real Betis