Prediction: Villarreal vs Real Madrid

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: 888sport

The 2019-20 La Liga season is in full swing already, as teams have already played two matches. With one more game before the international break, now it’s time to see Real Madrid travelling to take on Villarreal in the Estadio de la Cerámica. Kick-off for this match will be at 20:00 hrs BST.

Villarreal

Villareal have not had a good start to the season in the 2019/20 campaign of Spain’s top-tier. El Submarino Amarillo are winless in their first two league games (D1, L1) and that is even worst if we consider they have scored the opening goal – during the first half – in both of their league matches thus far. However, Villarreal have had good results at home and if we add last season’s results into the mix, then we can see Villarreal are undefeated in each of their last six home matches (W3, D3). Unfortunately, they have struggled massively when facing Real Madrid in recent years since they have defeated Los Merengues just twice in the last 18 H2H meetings. Can they end that negative trend and pull the upset here, knowing a win would send them in high spirits towards the international break?

Team News

Alberto Moreno has been ruled out for Villarreal ahead of this match. Bruno and Ruben Pena are questionable. Both will be game-time decisions for El Submarino Amarillo.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid are yet to lose this season, although they have not looked as spectacular as one would have imagined. Through the first two league games, Zinedine Zidane’s men have four points thanks to a W1, D1 record, although they should have two wins after conceding a late draw against Real Valladolid the last time out. Pending other results in this week, Los Merengues could easily end at the top of the standings once after Matchday 3, although it will depend on what will happen with Atletico Madrid since Los Colchoneros have won their first two league matches thus far. Zidane’s team has shown a trend this season, however, as they scored the opening the first goal in their first two league outings thus far. Can they do it again here, knowing that would represent a huge step towards moving at the top of the standings?

Team News

Marco Asensio (knee), Eden Hazard (muscle) and James Rodriguez (calf) are all out. Plus, Zidane could have even more absences for this match. Brahim Diaz (groin), Isco (muscle), Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo (both thigh) are all questionable.

Key Factors to Consider

• Villarreal have won just twice in their last 18 H2H matches against Real Madrid.
• Both teams have scored in 14 of Villarreal’s last 17 league matches at home.
• El Submarino Amarillo are undefeated in their last six home matches (W3, D3).
• Real Madrid’s final five LL away victories in 2018/19 involved both teams finding the net.
• Los Merengues have kept just three clean sheets on the road since the beginning of 2018.
• The last three H2H matches have featured the opening goal in the first 15 minutes.

Conclusion

Neither side has started the league campaign on top form. However, both have looked decent and have enough quality upfront to generate chances in the final meters. Expect an open match where both sides will score at least once.

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 4/11

Bookmaker: 888sport