Valencia vs Villarreal: Preview and Prediction

Valencia CF look to continue their good form when they host Villarreal at the Mestalla Stadium on Sunday evening.

Los Che are coming on the background of some good form in the league lately and are unbeaten in the last four. They had won three and drawn one during the period, the highlight of their recent form is the 2-1 win at Camp Nou two weeks ago.

Villarreal are fourth in the league table and have already sealed their place in next season’s Europa League. But their recent form is nothing but disappointing and are without a win in their last three La Liga matches. Their away form is particularly poor and have won just once in their last 8 games. They had also lost three of their last four away matches.

Valencia: Team News

Zakaria Bakkali and Jose Gaya remains sidelined for the Los Che due to injuries.

Diego Alves and Rodrigo are who picked up minor knocks in the last match are expected to be fit in time for the clash against Villarreal.

Valencia: Predicted Starting Line-up (4-3-3)

Alves,
Cancelo, Mustafi, Abdennour, Siqueira,
Gomes, Fuego, Parejo,
Rodrigo, Alcacer, Mina.

Villarreal: Team News

Leo Baptistao and Eric Bailly are injured for Villarreal, while Mateo Musacchio is set for a start following a long spell in the sidelines.

Cedric Bakambu and Jaume Costa are expected to be rested with the Europa League clash against Liverpool in mind, with Adrian and Antonio Rukavina being the likely replacements.

Villarreal: Predicted Line-up (4-4-2)

Asenjo,
Mario, Musacchio, Ruiz, Rukavina,
Suarez, Castillejo, Bruno, Trigueros:
Soldado, Adrian.

Valencia vs Villarreal: Head-to-Head Stats

Valencia are undefeated in their last 7 home matches against Villarreal in all competitions, with 4 wins and 3 draws.

Villarreal held Valencia to a 0-0 draw in their last visit to the Mestalla Stadium.

Valencia vs Villarreal: Prediction

Valencia continue to improve under the management of newly appointed Pako Ayestarán. They are unbeaten in their last four matches and will be very confident on Sunday evening.

Villarreal seem to struggle in their recent outings, but a bad result here won’t change their position in the league. They tasted defeats in their last two away games in the league and on top of that their record at Valencia in recent visits is a poor one.

Valencia will go in as slight favourites on the back of their good form and strong home record against Villarreal. I believe they will come out as 2-1 winners on Sunday.