Europa League
2012-02-16 - Stoke City vs Valencia
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Football : Europe : Europa League
Thursday, February 16th, 2012, 8:05PM GMT
PREVIEW
It still feels weird writing a European preview for Stoke City but the fact is Stoke have more than performed on the big stage. In 10 European games, they have lost just once. That is impressive. They've got a humongous tie tonight, against mighty Valencia. I feel this might just prove to be too big a hurdle for our Northern monkeys.
Valencia are going to be a tough opponent. Indeed, they are the 3rd best team in Spain as things stand, trailing only Barcelona and Real Madrid in the La Liga tables. Valencia are previous winners of this tournament, in 2004, but have not done well in European away games of late. They lost 0-3 at Chelsea to fall out of the Champions League with the Blues and Leverkusen going through and that means they have not beaten English opposition in 4 attempts under the current manager.
It is also now 8 matches without a win over an English club, losing and drawing 4, going back to a win over Arsenal in 2003. Stoke have yet to be defeated at home in Europe this season, with their only loss coming at Besiktas 3-1. There are plenty of reasons to think Stoke might get something here, if you look at the stats and trends. I have a feeling Stoke are in for a rude awakening tonight. Yes they have done well in Europe but they have been playing Europa League quality sides. This is going to be a massive step up in competition and we've seen how easily things can go wrong when playing a better side.
Pulis' side might just score, of that I have no doubt. They have a great striker in crouch who has done well, but Valencia are 3rd in La Liga and look the better side than Stoke. What makes this a must bet for me is the price on the visitors, which should be much shorter than it is.
BETTING VERDICT
I'm taking Valencia to nick it at value prices.
The Pick :
Valencia to win
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Valencia to win @ 2.50 (Ladbrokes)
