Verdict: Over 2.5 goals scored – yes
Best Odds: 5/6
Bookmaker: 888sport
Two sides with different objectives on their mind will collide this Sunday at Estadio La Ceramica. Villarreal remain entrenched on a race to avoid relegation, and they will have a tough assignment when hosting a Sevilla side that’s looking to solidify their among the league’s top four places. This match will kick-off at 17:30 GMT on Sunday.
Villarreal
El Submarino Amarillo have been one of the biggest disappointments of the current Liga season, as they began the campaign as a potential contender for a European spot but instead, they sit second-to-last in the standings. Through 23 games so far, Villarreal sit in 19th place with 20 points and they have won just three games all season long. Their home record does not do them any favours, either – they have been the worst home side in the Liga this year with only one win in 12 matches (W1, D6, L5). They secured a decent 2-2 home draw against Real Madrid a while ago, but so far they have struggled against top sides during the current term. And to make things even worst, they have gone five matches without a win both at home (D3, L2) and overall (D3, L2). This is not a good sign considering the kind of opposition they will face on Sunday.
Team News
Villarreal do not have any confirmed absentees heading into this match. Their lone doubtful player is Bruno, who’s dealing with a knee problem.
Sevilla
Sevilla are quite far from the relegation race, but they’re also further than what they would like in a potential title race. Los Nervionenses managed to hang on in the title race during the first 15 matches of the season, but have crumbled afterwards. They have maintained themselves among the top four of the standings, but it’s not a secret that they have not been nearly as good as they had been earlier in the season. To note, Sevilla have won just one of their previous five Liga matches (W1, D1, L3) and their away record has not looked impressive, either. Through 12 away matches, Sevilla have won just three times (W3, D4, L5) and to make things complicated, they haven’t won their last five (D2, L3) while riding a three-game losing streak. If they want to get a positive result out of this game. they need to turn things around soon. But facing the weakest home side in the league could be the perfect opportunity to do so.
Team News
Nolito has been ruled out of this game with a broken leg. But he’s not the only Sevilla player that might miss this game out.
Guilherme Arana (face), Joris Gnagnon (thigh), Maxime Gonalons (broken ankle) and Aleix Vidal (muscle) are all doubtful.
Key Factors to Consider
- Both sides played away from home in the Europa League earlier this week. Sevilla defeated Lazio and Villarreal defeated Sporting Lisbon.
- Four of the past five meetings (all competitions) between these two sides have ended in a draw. The remaining one ended in a Sevilla win.
- Villarreal have won just one of their past 10 league meetings (W1, D6, L3). Meanwhile, Sevilla own a W2, D4, L4 mark in their last 10 away matches.
- The previous league meeting between these two sides this season ended in a scoreless draw.
- Over the past five matches between both sides in Estadio La Ceramica (in all competitions) have seen three wins for Sevilla and only one for Villarreal. The remaining match over that span finished with a draw.
Conclusion
Both sides have clear objectives entering this game. Knowing both teams need the three points, I reckon we could witness a very open match. And as such, we could easily be in line for at least three total goals.
Verdict: Over 2.5 goals scored – yes
Best Odds: 5/6
Bookmaker: 888sport
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