Real Betis vs Valencia preview - Barragan wary of Betis

Posted Saturday, December 10, 2011 by PA

Valencia defender Antonio Barragan has warned his team to be on their guard against Real Betis despite the hosts' lowly position in the Primera Division standings.

Los Che head to the Estadio Benito Villamarin having dropped out of the Champions League and into the Europa League with a 3-0 midweek defeat at Chelsea, but have now turned their attention back to domestic matters as they look to build on two straight wins in La Liga.

Unai Emery's third-placed side sit just seven points off the top and, with Real Madrid and Barcelona meeting this weekend, there is a great chance to make some ground on the top two.

But former Sevilla youth-team player Barragan is expecting a tricky encounter against 17th-placed Betis, who lie outside the relegation zone by just one point.

"It will be quite a difficult game," the 24-year-old told www.valenciacf.com. "They are in quite a negative situation, but in front of their own fans they will want to improve matters."

He added: "We are going to fight to the end in the league, the Copa del Rey and the Europa League."

"We have to try to obtain the three points. We will have to do things as well as possible, give 100% and be prepared to leave our skin on the pitch to get the win."

Betis slumped to their ninth defeat in 10 games against Osasuna last weekend but could be forgiven for thinking luck is just not with them at the moment.

Pepe Mel's side dominated the game for long spells in Pamplona and by hitting the woodwork twice are now the side that has been denied by the frame of the goal the most times in the whole league with 11.

Mel told www.realbetisbalompie.es: "We will be a brave team. Valencia are used to playing in many competitions and know how to adapt.

"It's easier to win playing well, though it seems to be costing us. In Pamplona we created many chances in 45 minutes. This team is capable of doing well."

Valencia will be without defender Jordi Alba through suspension for the game, while Betis midfielder Salva Sevilla has been ruled out until after the winter break due to a knee sprain.

Mel added: "We have doubts over Jeff [Jefferson Montero] and Ezequiel. They have trained only twice with the group so we will leave the decision until [Saturday]. Otherwise we are all right."