Monday Football Tips: On red alert for Valencia derby

The Valencia derby is Monday's fare in La Liga and is promises to be spicy.

There has been a red card in three of the six renewals of the Derby del Turia and there's plenty to suggest backing another in this contest is the way to go.

For a start, these sides are two of the dirtiest in the Spanish top flight.

Valencia have collected more yellow cards than any other, while Levante are fourth on that list.

As for sendings off, Levante have already picked up three this season, Valencia two.

In this game, the hosts will be desperate for victory. They are yet to achieve one this season and thus sit bottom, seven points from safety. However, eight draws from 17 games show they have managed to stay competitive, and they will surely see a derby as a great chance to get off the mark and they did win this fixture last season.

Valencia won't be lying down though. They are very much in the race for the Champions League spots - a win in this match would see them move within two points of the top four.

The referee appointment is also encouraging.

Pablo Gonzalez Fuertes was the third-best for cards in La Liga last season and while he's slowed down somewhat this season, his red-card figures remain among the best.

Fuertes has sent a player off in four of nine league games so far in 2021/22, including one for Levante when he took charge of their clash with Atletico Madrid.

Take in the back end of last season and that stat improves to five of 10.

However, a red card in this game is on offer at 11/5 and given what I've written, this looks a spot of value and can hopefully get the week off to a winning start.

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