SPANISH CUP first leg action tonight as Real Betis host Valencia at the Benito and one which should be another hard-fought affair between two sides where there is definitely no love lost.
Real Betis vs Valencia (8pm)
We all know how the Spanish love a booking and there's lots at stake here as these two look for a place in the Final of the Copa Del Rey. There's an added incentive for the hosts as the Final will be played at their stadium and may need that advantage as it will be either Real Madrid they or Barcelona they would play.
Having looked through both sides' disciplinary record there's plenty evidence to support a night of cards and what stands out for me is the history of this fixture in terms of cards.
The last 7 matches between the sides have seen a ridiculous number of cards: 9/6/5/7/7/11/8.
Fifty-three cards in total which works out at an average 7.6 cards per game – plenty at stake here and with a history of bad blood between them it's not unreasonable to think we'll see some more cards tonight, especially as both sides have a host of players who are susceptible to a card or two.
Small stakes on this as it is a first leg but still a good chance we'll see some cards.
Recommended Bets
- Over 5.5 cards (10-11, Sky Bet)
- Over 1.5 goals, over 8.5 corners, over 2.5 cards (6-5, Sky Bet)