Prediction: Villarreal vs Valencia

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 17/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

The La Liga campaign is beginning to draw to something resembling a conclusion with a parade of clubs still being in with a chance of having a successful season – at both ends of the table. Today, we’re going to take a look at a clash between two teams that have the potential to walk away with a trophy for their efforts, but not in the league: Villarreal and Valencia.

Villarreal

The constant surge of momentum behind a good run in Europe rarely translates into consistent league form and yet while Villarreal fans will be in two minds about Unai Emery has set them up since August, it’s hard to be too mad. Why? Because they’re in the semi-finals of the Champions League and could be just three games away from one of the biggest upsets in the history of the European Cup.

Valencia

Valencia have stumbled on more than one occasion this season, especially in the league, with a lot of their hopes and expectations coming down to what happens in the Copa del Rey final this Saturday. They’ll have more than one eye on that clash with Real Betis but in equal measure, dropping into the bottom half of the table in the league wouldn’t give them a great feeling heading into the weekend.

Factors to Consider

• In their most recent meeting back in October, Valencia beat Villarreal 2-0.
• Villarreal have won two, drawn two and lost two of their last six games.
• Valencia have won two, drawn three and lost one of their last six games.
• Villarreal have scored five goals and conceded six in their last six games.
• Valencia have scored six goals and conceded four in their last six games.

Conclusion

The word that comes to mind in a game like this is ‘hangover’. Valencia don’t have a whole lot left to play for this season but they have enough talent in their ranks to cause problems for a side like Villarreal who fought incredibly hard in their last few outings across a small period of time. We’re going to go for a 1-1 draw with both sides, all things considered, being content with that as a result.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 17/5

Bookmaker: 888sport