Villarreal will host Elche in a key La Liga clash this Sunday. Currently, Villarreal sits in fourth place, tied on points with Atlético Madrid. Meanwhile, Elche is in 17th place, just two points above the relegation zone.
Match Preview
Villarreal aims to recover from a recent setback against Barcelona, where they suffered a 4-1 defeat. Coach Marcelino’s team has a solid record this season, with a total of 51 points from 26 matches. They have secured 16 victories, drawn three times, and faced seven defeats.
At home, Villarreal has excelled, earning 31 points from 13 matches with 10 wins. Historically, they lead the head-to-head against Elche with eight wins to seven from their 22 encounters. Villarreal defeated Elche 3-1 earlier this season and recorded a 4-0 victory in the last home match against them in the 2022-23 season.
Elche’s Challenge
Elche comes into this match following a 2-2 draw with Espanyol and a narrow 2-1 loss against Athletic Bilbao. The team, which was promoted from Segunda Division after finishing second last season, is currently struggling in the relegation battle.
With a record of five wins, 11 draws, and 10 defeats this season, Elche has accumulated 26 points. They have scored 34 goals, showcasing a respectable attacking force, but their defense remains a concern.
Team News
- Villarreal: Juan Foyth, Pau Cabanes, Logan Costa, and Willy Kambwala are out due to injuries. Gerard Moreno will undergo a late fitness test.
- Elche: Yago Santiago is suspended, and Hector Fort is sidelined with a shoulder injury. Pedro Bigas’ fitness is uncertain, and Victor Chust may start in his place.
Projected Lineups
| Villarreal | Elche |
|---|---|
| Luiz Junior | Dituro |
| Mourino | Petrot |
| Navarro | Affengruber |
| Veiga | Chust |
| Pedraza | Valera |
| Pepe | Morente |
| Comesana | Febas |
| Gueye | Aguado |
| Moleiro | Cepeda |
| Perez | A Silva |
| Mikautadze | Mir |
Match Prediction
Our prediction is a close match, with Villarreal likely to secure a 2-1 victory over Elche. Elche has enough attacking prowess to claim a goal, but Villarreal is expected to dominate the match overall.
