In La Liga, Villarreal will host Valencia this Sunday, both teams eager for a vital win. Villarreal currently sits third in the league, while Valencia is positioned at 15th. The tension surrounding this match is palpable, as both sides have much to gain or lose.
Villarreal vs Valencia Preview: Prediction, Team News, Lineups
Current Standings and Form
Villarreal boasts an impressive record this season, claiming 15 wins, 3 draws, and 6 losses from their 24 league matches. With 48 points, they trail behind Atletico Madrid by just three points. Their recent form shows promise, as they achieved a 1-0 victory over Levante last Wednesday, following a 4-1 home win against Espanyol earlier in February.
- La Liga Position: 3rd
- Total Points: 48
- Recent La Liga Form: LLDWLW
In contrast, Valencia is struggling, sitting just two points above the relegation zone. They secured a 2-0 win against Levante in their last match but have faced challenges this season. Valencia has conceded 37 goals in 24 league games, raising concerns about their defense.
- La Liga Position: 15th
- Total Points: 26
- Recent La Liga Form: DWWLLW
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Valencia leads the overall head-to-head against Villarreal with 25 wins in their previous 61 clashes. The last encounter saw Villarreal triumph with a 2-0 victory earlier this season. However, their recent meetings suggest a competitive landscape.
Team News
Villarreal will be without players Logan Costa, Juan Foyth, and Pau Cabanes due to injuries. Key players such as Willy Kambwala, Gerard Moreno, and Rafa Marin are doubtful for this match. Coach Marcelino may tweak the lineup to strengthen the attack, potentially featuring Nicolas Pepe alongside Georges Mikautadze.
On the other hand, Valencia’s roster is also affected by injuries, with Mouctar Diakhaby, Julen Agirrezabala, Dimitri Foulquier, and Diego Lopez unavailable. Despite challenges, head coach Carlos Corberan likely will stick with the team that won against Levante.
Predicted Lineups
| Villarreal | Valencia |
|---|---|
| Junior | Dimitrievski |
| Mourino | Nunez |
| Navarro | Comert |
| Veiga | Tarrega |
| Pedraza | Gaya |
| Buchanan | Rodriguez |
| Parejo | Urginic |
| Gueye | Ramazani |
| Moleiro | Beltran |
| Mikautadze | Rioja |
| Pepe | Duro |
Match Prediction
This match promises to be tightly contested, with Villarreal favored due to their form and home advantage. However, Valencia will aim to capitalize on any defensive errors. A narrow victory for Villarreal, perhaps 1-0, seems probable, but do not discount Valencia’s potential to claim a point.
