Tuesday, May 16, 2006

It's all to play for in Spain

Three matches left in Spain, the only two competitive fixtures are tonight and what games they are.

Osasuna-Valencia and Seville- Real Madrid. Valencia and Madrid have qualified for the Champions League but are battling for the final automatic place. With the World Cup this summer, the few extra weeks rest will be vital and could have a big bearing on fitness come the end of next season. The two home teams are fighting for one last Champions League (qualifying ) place and the prestige and millions that can bring, the loser will play UEFA cup next year.

If Real win, the other match becomes a friendly, If Seville win, then Osasuna must win to qualify and Valencia will need a point to pass Madrid.

The team from the capital are unbeaten in 13, have had ten days rest and boast a good record in Seville, 5 wins and only one defeat in 8 starts. The Andalucian side have played two matches in 6 days, including a european final and a celebration which lasted until 4 am ! I favour Real.

Valencia are missing 8 potential starters, 5 of which have been in the squad recently. In a way they have less to play for than Osasuna, as it is worse, much worse, to finish 5th and be out ,than to be 3rd and have to play the qualifying round. Things could also be out of their own control ,so I am going to side with the Basque team.

Ten play off matches in England so far and not one home win. Lincoln will be buoyed by that statistic and will have to go forward to claw back the goal they trail by. This is also a local derby to add extra spice, hopefully we will see goals, the last three league games have produced 14.

3 points OSASUNA +1/4 1.76 asian line
3 points REAL MADRID 2.80 general
1 point double 2.85/2.80 centrebet
3 points GRIMSBY-LINCOLN over 2.25 goals 2.02 asian line

Good Luck.

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