Villarreal will be looking to return to winning ways when they face Real Valladolid on Saturday afternoon in La Liga. The Yellow Submarine, currently fourth in the standings, enter the match following a 1-1 draw with Getafe. Meanwhile, Real Valladolid, sitting in 18th, secured a crucial 3-2 victory over Alaves in their last outing.
Match Preview
Real Valladolid, who managed just their second win of the season with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Alaves on October 18, are aiming to build on that result to climb out of the relegation zone. With only eight points from their first 10 games, they remain in 18th place. Despite securing promotion from the Segunda Division last season, Paulo Pezzolano’s team has struggled defensively, conceding 21 goals in 10 matches—the worst record in La Liga.
Valladolid have lost their last two home games against Mallorca and Rayo Vallecano, and face a Villarreal side that has been strong away from home this season, securing three wins from five La Liga away fixtures.
On the other hand, Villarreal come into the match in fourth place with 18 points from 10 games. Marcelino’s side is looking to regain momentum after recent draws against Real Madrid and Getafe. The Yellow Submarine have shown attacking prowess, scoring 18 goals this season, but their defense has been shaky, conceding the same number, making them joint-third for the worst defensive record in the league.
Marcelino will be determined to guide Villarreal back into European competition after last season’s disappointing eighth-place finish. With only two points separating them from third-placed Atletico Madrid, this match is critical to keeping pace in the race for a top-four finish.
Team News
Real Valladolid: Valladolid will be without Cesar de la Hoz, who remains sidelined with a back injury. Additionally, Víctor Meseguer and Cenk Ozkacar are expected to miss the match. Head coach Paulo Pezzolano is likely to stick with a similar lineup to the one that started in the victory over Alaves, employing a 4-4-2 formation with Selim Amallah and Mamadou Sylla leading the attack. Lucas Rosa returns to the squad after serving a suspension in their last game.
Villarreal: Villarreal’s injury list includes key players such as Eric Bailly, Logan Costa, Denis Suarez, and Juan Foyth. Ayoze Perez, Villarreal’s leading scorer with six goals this season, is doubtful due to a muscular issue, while Gerard Moreno, Willy Kambwala, and Alfonso Pedraza are also uncertain to feature. Young defender Pau Navarro could start in place of the injured Bailly, with Dani Parejo likely retaining his spot in midfield.
Possible Lineups:
Real Valladolid:
- Hein; Perez, Sanchez, Torres, Rosa; Moro, Comert, Martin, Tuhami; Amallah, Sylla
Villarreal:
- Conde; Femenia, Albiol, Navarro, S Cardona; Comesana, Parejo; Akhomach, Gueye, Baena; Barry
Prediction:
Villarreal triumphed 3-0 in their last visit to Real Valladolid, and while Saturday’s contest may not see as wide a margin, Villarreal’s attacking talent should help them return to winning ways. Despite Valladolid’s recent victory, their defensive vulnerabilities could be exposed against the Yellow Submarine.
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Prediction: Real Valladolid 1-2 Villarreal
