Prediction: Villarreal vs Las Palmas

Verdict: Villareal (-1.5) AH

Best odds: 113/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Villarreal host Las Palmas in the match that concludes the 8th round of La Liga. Despite being positioned at the opposite spectrum in the standings, we expect a tough battle at Estadio de la Ceramica, with the hosts searching to bounce back from the last home defeat suffered against leaders Barcelona.

Villarreal

Despite a strong finish in the previous term with a single defeat in the last eight rounds, the Yellow Submarine finished outside the European competition spots by claiming the 8th position, four points behind Betis. Yet, aiming for a better La Liga start this time, Villareal started the Summer preparations against strong European sides, to shape the final lineup before the opening game against Sevilla.

However, playing against Premier League outfits (Nottingham Forrest, Leicester and Brighton) and Bundesliga heavyweights Dortmund displayed Villareal’s limits, with the single win during the Summer coming against Swiss side Sion (1-3). Still, regardless of the less convincing Summer tour, Marcelino’s team opened their season with a spectacular home draw against Atletico Madrid (2-2).

While a tricky schedule that followed next included games against Sevilla, Celta Vigo, Valencia and Mallorca, Villarreal played at a high level, remaining undefeated in these games. Additionally, the hosts made an early statement of not missing the qualification in European competitions this time after defeating Sevilla (1-2), Celta Vigo (4-3) and Mallorca (2-1) before hosting Barcelona at Estadio de la Ceramica.

Following an impressive run, the fans were disappointed to see their favourites laying down their weapons against Barcelona in a spectacular blockbuster that ended with the La Liga leader’s win (5-1). Although the crash against Barcelona raised some concerns, Villarreal returned to winning in the last game played at Espanyol (2-1), claiming the 4th position with 14 points after seven rounds.

Team New

With all players available to face Las Palmas, Marcelino will likely line up an attacking squad attempting to secure the 5th win in La Liga. Striker Ayoze Perez will be given another start after an impressive run with six goals scored, coming second in the top scorer race, with one strike less than Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski.

Las Palmas

The visitors declined after a previous season’s relegation battle that saw Las Palmas finish six points above the floating line. Although the Summer games before the new La Liga campaign should have addressed the last-term problems, the Yellows failed to make an impression by winning a pair of games from seven.

While ending the Summer tour on a positive note with a shock stalemate at Anfield against Liverpool (0-0) gave the fans hope for a positive debut in La Liga, the fans had mixed feelings after seeing their favourites coming from behind to draw home against Sevilla (2-2).

Heading next to Leganes aiming for the first win, Luis Miguel Carrion had a deja vu after seeing his players down (2-0), five minutes before the final whistle, with a stoppage-time strike from Sandro Ramirez setting the final score (2-1).

Although returning home to face the current champions Real Madrid seemed an impossible mission, considering the visitor’s attacking power, Las Palmas produced the biggest upset of the round by forcing Carlo Ancelotti’s team to accept a surprise draw (1-1).

Travelling to Alaves packed with confidence after keeping Real Madrid at bay, Las Palmas displayed their limits away from home  (2-1 defeat), extending their negative record on the road, with the last win achieved in January against Rayo Vallecano (2-0).

Yet, the Yellow Ones will aim to replicate the previous visit to Estadio de la Ceramica, when they narrowly edged Villarreal (2-1), before returning home for the crucial game against Celta Vigo.

Team News

Scott McKenna will not make the trip to Villarreal. The Scottish centre-back is sidelined with hamstring problems. Midfield maestro Alberto Moleiro will lead the midfield, after an impressive start that led to three decisive strikes for his team.

Scoring in the previous rounds, centre forward Sandro Ramirez (3 goals and one assist) is keen to add his name to the scoreboard and help his team climb from the bottom of the table.

Key factors to consider

• Villarreal lost a single game this season (1-5 against Barcelona)
• The hosts are 4th in the table and aim for a return to the European competition
• Las Palmas are at the bottom of La Liga with three points after seven rounds
• The visitors lost seven of the last eight competitive games played on the road

Conclusion

Villarreal will push for a win against Las Palmas to consolidate their La Liga position. Putting behind the Benito Villamarin defeat against Barcelona with the previous round success at Espanyol, Villarreal has enough strength to defeat struggling Las Palmas.

Verdict: Villareal (-1.5) AH

Best odds: 113/100

Bookmaker: ZetBet