Villarreal v Real Madrid

Spain La Liga – Estadio de la Ceramica Saturday 21.00 CET

Team News:

Villarreal have suspensions to two key players. Two starters in CB Santiago Mourino and CM Santi Comesena are ruled out. V

Real Madrid has some key men out still. Long term the defence remains without CB’s Militao and Rudiger while the flanks are without Trent and Mendy.  Suspension rules out midfielder Tchouameni who has been filling in at the back. Better news for Los Blancos is the return of winger Rodrygo while attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz returns from AFCON (likely carrying some emotional baggage after that penalty debacle)

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Formations:

Villarreal and Marcelino are staunch 4-4-2 and have not veered from this even against the big guns. Strong counter attacking mentality and try to overload opposition. While flying with it in La Liga (3^rd place with 41 points) they have struggled in UCL having already been eliminated with just 1 draw from 7 matches.

Real Madrid under Alonso liked to vary formation. With Arbeloa they have three games at 4-3-3.  With 13 goals in those three games, it’s likely to remain. Will look to dominate the home side and with massive attacking threat can score from anywhere.

Recent Head 2 Heads: P10 Villarreal Wins 2 Draws 3 Real Madrid Wins 5

Referee: Cesar Soto Grado (Average cards 4.98 Yellow 0.22 Red per game)

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Match Preview:

Villarreal have been stretched this season with Champions League as well as pushing hard in La Liga. That they sit in 3^rd just 7 points behind Real Madrid is a credit to them. They seem to be able to easily dispatch the bottom half teams. It’s a different matter though against the top 4 and in Europe. We can expect chances for the home side against the depleted back line of Madrid. Real Madrid will want to continue the 4 match winning La Liga streak and keep the pressure on Barcelona. Villarreal will hope to push Madrid however they cannot contain Mbappe, Vini and Bellingham.

Betting Preview:

Alvaro Arbeloa is not as sexy as Xabi Alonso but is arguably the better fit for Real Madrid. Both sides have had midweek UCL matches to come. Villarreal are out for sure while Madrid only needs 1 point at Benfica to assure top 8 and avoid the playoffs so can concentrate on this one. Atmosphere should be electric but Real Madrid won’t be phased by it. Win odds on Real Madrid are very appealing and should be added to any accumulator.