Football fans anxiously wait for the derbies of this weekend, but some exciting games are also scheduled on Friday. They don’t involve the best teams in Europe, but they promise to be just as interesting. Teams struggling at the bottom of the standings play potentially decisive games in their quest to avoid relegation. Some of the best matches for punters are played in the Spanish and Portuguese top and second divisions.
Nacional and Portimonense Fight to Avoid Relegation
Nacional and Portimonense are separated by only two points, yet they make all the difference. The former sit inside the relegation area and desperately need a victory to improve the odds of surviving for another season. Home pitch advantage should ensure this edge but with no fans cheering from the stands, this won’t be the case. The hosts also have a few players missing or doubtful, hence the odds of 2/1 offered by bet365 Sports. Portimonense are not the best traveling team, with just one victory in 12 games, but even so, they are narrow favorites and enjoy odds of 13/10.
Last-Ditch Effort for Huesca on the Road at Levante
Huesca played some impressive games this season, but the few glitters of skill and perseverance are not enough. Unless they start winning back-to-back games, they will likely play in the second division next season. The team currently sits in the last place, with 21 points, but it is separated by only four points from the safe area. Victory over Levante on Friday night will bring them on the precipice, whereas a draw wouldn’t help a lot. The host will throw everything they’ve got and try to convert the odds of 13/10 offered by bet365 Sports. Levante defeated them just once on the road in 6 games, so they get odds of 2/1.
Almeria and Rayo Vallecano Try to Return to La Liga
Almeria and Rayo Vallecano used to play in the Spanish La Liga before being relegated to the second division. This is where they spent most of the time, but they have a good opportunity to return among the stars. Almeria is guaranteed a playoff spot, but the team will aim for direct qualification offered to those who finish in the top two positions. They won’t be happy with one point and instead will try to convert the odds of 13/10 offered by 888 Sport on them to win. Rayo Vallecano have a tiny advantage over the pack as they occupy the last playoff spot, but they can improve their place if they win at odds of 2/1.
Disclaimer:
The odds mentioned here were accurate at the featured bookmakers at the hour the article was written, respectively on Wednesday, March 31 at 6 A.M. UK time.