Verdict: Villarreal double chance
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Unibet
In a Spanish heavyweight showdown this weekend, Villarreal will welcome Real Madrid to the Estadio de la Cerámica on Saturday afternoon.
Villarreal
Starting with the hosts, last seen heading into November’s international break by putting on yet another standout performance, Villarreal picked up a 3-1 romp away at Getafe and they have continued to stun many across Europe. Managing to capitalize on Barcelona and Los Blancos’ issues since opening the 2020/2021 campaign, the Yellow Submarine mark their return to action sat second in the table and just two points adrift of fellow shock outfit Real Sociedad. Now under the guidance of Unai Emery and really finding their feet under the former Arsenal boss, Villarreal are in the midst of a very impressive four-match winning run across all formats and they’re cruising their way to the knockout stage of this year’s Europa League. In fact, now enjoying an unbeaten run that stems all the way back to September 27th, El Submarino Amarillo have also found a real clinical edge in the final third.
Team News
Villarreal will once again be without the trio of Jaume Costa, Juan Foyth and Alberto Moreno this weekend.
Real Madrid
As for the visitors, while Real Madrid might have thought that they had turned a much-needed corner during an unbeaten run at the end of October, the defending Spanish champions came crashing back down to earth in worrying fashion prior to the international break. Last seen putting in what was nothing short of a woeful display on their travels, Los Blancos were hit with a shocking 4-1 drumming away at an inconsistent Valencia side who have seen a number of their biggest names head for the exit. With the pressure once again firmly on Zinedine Zidane’s shoulders, the French icon will have a real headache over his side’s continued glaring issues at the back. While leading marksman Karim Benzema might be enjoying an eye-catching start to the season, Madrid have shipped six goals in back-to-back appearances and have failed to record a single clean sheet in any of their last seven contests.
Team News
Sergio Ramos is set to miss out with the hamstring problem that he picked up while representing Spain. Elsewhere, Raphael Varane faces a late fitness test on a shoulder issue.
Key Factors to Consider
- Remarkably, each of the last three straight contests between Villarreal and Real Madrid at the Estadio de la Cerámica have finished by a scoreline of 2-2.
- Saturday’s hosts are enjoying a four-match winning run across all formats and are unbeaten since September, 27th.
- Along with a 4-1 defeat away at Valencia earlier in the month, Los Blancos have failed to record a clean sheet in any of their last seven appearances.
- Four of Madrid’s last five away fixtures have seen over 3.5 goals.
- Paco Alcácer has five La Liga goals to his name already this season.
Conclusion
While Real Madrid might open Saturday’s meeting as a marginal top pick with the bookmakers, Villarreal should be smelling a golden chance this weekend. With Los Blancos getting hit with a woeful 4-1 drumming away at Valencia when heading into the international break, the Yellow Submarine will be looking to pile even more pressure on Zinedine Zidane’s shoulders. In the midst of a four-match winning run and knowing that three points could see them climb to top spot in the La Liga table, Unai Emery’s high-flyers should will be confident of leaving the Estadio de la Cerámica with something to show for themselves.
Verdict: Villarreal double chance
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Unibet
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