On Saturday afternoon, Villarreal host Real Valladolid at the Estadio de la Ceramica as the home side looks to force their way into La Liga’s Champions League spots.
Villarreal form guideThe Yellow Submarine have recorded three straight wins in La Liga against Osasuna, Real Sociedad and, most impressively, last time out, a victory over reigning Spanish champions Real Madrid. In fact, Quique Setien’s team is now unbeaten in six league matches, having recorded five victories while scoring two goals in each of the wins.
Villarreal is in fifth place in La Liga, four points adrift of the Champions League spots. Another victory would certainly be a step in the right direction for their top-four challenge.
The home team has also won five of their last eight La Liga games at the Ceramica and is currently three league games unbeaten on home soil.
Real Valladolid form guideThe visitors are still not clear of the spectre of the relegation zone, as Valladolid are just two points clear of the danger zone in La Liga. A 3-3 home draw against Real Mallorca last time out in the league means that Los Albivioletas are winless in four La Liga games.
The visitor's recent La Liga games have certainly not lacked goals, as six of their last seven matches in the Spanish top flight have produced over 2.5 goals.
Real Valladolid’s recent away record has not aided their survival chances, as they have lost eight of their previous ten league games on their travels, recording just one win in the run.
Latest team newsDue to suspension, Villarreal will be without Juan Foyth, Yeremy Pino, and Alex Baena. Etienne Capoue, Gerard Moreno and Francis Coquelin could all miss out through various injuries.
Real Valladolid may be without Anuar, Darwin Machis, Lucas Olaza and Jordi Masip through injuries.
What am I backing?I am backing Villarreal to continue their recent positive run of form and record a narrow victory in this clash.
