Prediction: Real Madrid vs Villarreal

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster

Turning their attention back to La Liga duties on Saturday night, Real Madrid will welcome Villarreal to the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid

Starting with the hosts, putting in a toothless performance earlier in the week as they suffered a shock 1-0 loss away at French outfit Lille, Real Madrid will certainly be seeking an immediate response here. However, although Carlo Ancelotti’s men might have not suffered a single domestic defeat since opening up the new campaign, the Spanish icons are seeking some much-welcomed defensive resolve. Suffering a late collapse away at bitter local rivals Atletico Madrid last weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate, the reigning La Liga champions have not suffered a single clean sheet from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Likewise, opening this weekend’s fixtures sat three points adrift of arch-rivals Barcelona and top spot, Ancelotti’s men will be desperate to avoid a potential banana skin when they return to the Bernabeu on Saturday night.

Team News

Making a speedy return from a thigh issue and making a second-half cameo appearance against Lille on Wednesday night, Kylian Mbappe will certainly make a full return this weekend. However, yet to feature across any competition so far this season and still dealing with a long-term knee injury, ex-Bayern Munich defender David Alaba remains on the sidelines.

Likewise, suffering an abductor injury during Los Blancos’ 1-1 stalemate away at Atletico last weekend, Thibaut Courtois will miss out here. Making a first appearance of the season in France earlier in the week, Ukrainian shot-stopper Andriy Lunin will start between the sticks.

Villarreal

As for the visitors, while Villarreal might have eventually fallen short in the race to book a lucrative European return last season, the Yellow Submarine have come roaring back in some style this time around. Continuing on what has been a real La Liga purple patch since opening up the new campaign, Marcelino’s men find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Last seen putting in another dominant display as they secured a routine 3-1 victory at home against Las Palmas, the former Marseille boss will be relishing a trip to the Spanish capital this weekend. Marking their return from September’s international break with a 2-1 win away at Mallorca, Saturday’s guests have suffered just a single defeat from any of their first eight La Liga appearances this season. Now dreaming of the chance to book a famous top-four ticket, Villarreal could ask some real questions here.

Team News

Both still dealing with respective long-term injury issues and yet to make a single appearance across any competition so far this season, Villarreal will once again be without the duo of Alfonso Pedraza and former Tottenham defender Juan Foyth on Saturday night. However, the Yellow Submarine are hopeful that ex-Newcastle star Ayoze Perez can play some part here.

Arriving from Marseille over the summer, Senegal international Pape Gueye will partner Dani Parejo in the middle of the park. Returning from a minor knock last month, former Manchester United defender Eric Bailly will join Logan Costa at the heart of Marcelino’s defence.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Real Madrid and Villarreal last met back on May 19th, Saturday’s opponents played out a remarkable 4-4 stalemate at the Estadio de la Ceramica
• Los Blancos have recorded just two victories from any of their previous seven showdowns against the Yellow Submarine across all competitions.
• Each of the last five consecutive meetings between Real Madrid and Villarreal have finished with both teams finding the net.
• Likewise, those five showdowns have produced 26 goals at both ends of the pitch.
• Each of Villarreal’s first eight La Liga matchups have finished with both teams getting on the scoresheet.

Conclusion

Falling to a 1-0 loss away at Lille earlier in the week and suffering a first defeat of the season, Real Madrid could face another stern challenge here. With Villarreal only continuing to shine since opening up the new campaign, Saturday’s opponents do have a habit of producing fireworks when they meet. Playing out a remarkable 4-4 draw when they last met back on May 19th, we could be treated to another enjoyable showdown this weekend.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Luckster