Preview: Villarreal vs Elche – prediction, team news, lineups

Villarreal aims to regain their winning momentum in Spain’s top division as they host Elche this Sunday.

The Yellow Submarine currently sits fourth in the La Liga table, matching the points tally of third-placed Atletico Madrid. In contrast, Elche is 17th, positioned two points clear of the relegation zone.

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Match preview

Villarreal encountered an in-form Barcelona last weekend, with the Catalan giants securing a dominant 4-1 victory over the Yellow Submarine at Camp Nou. Nevertheless, Marcelino’s squad will be looking to bounce back strongly on home turf this Sunday afternoon.

This season, the Yellow Submarine boasts a record of 16 wins, three draws, and seven losses from their 26 league fixtures. Their 51 points place them fourth in the standings, level with third-placed Atletico and eight points ahead of Real Betis in fifth.

Marcelino’s side has displayed formidable form at home this campaign, accumulating 31 points from 13 league games played in front of their supporters, including 10 victories.

Historically, Villarreal has only clashed with Elche on 22 previous occasions, holding a slight advantage in their head-to-head record with eight wins to Elche’s seven.

Marcelino’s team secured a 3-1 win in the reverse fixture earlier this season, following a comprehensive 4-0 victory in the corresponding match during the 2022-23 season.

While Elche did defeat Villarreal in February 2023, they have not managed an away victory against the Yellow Submarine since May 2013, underscoring the significant challenge ahead for them in this match.

Eder Sarabia’s side enters Sunday’s fixture on the heels of a 2-2 draw with Espanyol, a result that followed a 2-1 defeat at Athletic Bilbao.

The Green-striped ones, who secured promotion back to the top flight by finishing second in the Segunda Division last season, are currently embroiled in a battle to avoid relegation.

Indeed, their season’s tally of five wins, 11 draws, and 10 defeats from 26 matches leaves them in 17th place with 26 points, just two points above the bottom three.

Notably, Elche has scored 34 goals in La Liga this season, which represents a strong attacking output, and their offensive capabilities could prove pivotal in their fight for survival.

Villarreal La Liga form:

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Elche La Liga form:

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Team News

Villarreal will again be without Juan Foyth, Pau Cabanes, Logan Costa, and Willy Kambwala for this weekend’s encounter with Elche, all sidelined due to injury. Gerard Moreno, meanwhile, faces a late fitness test for a thigh problem.

Head coach Marcelino is anticipated to largely stick with his lineup despite the team’s recent struggles against Barcelona. However, a change at left-back is possible, with Alfonso Pedraza potentially coming in.

Georges Mikautadze is once more expected to lead the attack alongside Ayoze Perez.

For Elche, Yago Santiago remains unavailable due to suspension, while on-loan Barcelona defender Hector Fort is still out with a shoulder injury.

Pedro Bigas was substituted at halftime during Elche’s clash with Espanyol due to a minor issue, suggesting Victor Chust might be introduced into the defensive line here.

Furthermore, Tete Morente, who was one of Elche’s standout performers in their 2-2 draw with Espanyol, is likely to retain his starting spot in a wide position.

Villarreal possible starting lineup:

Luiz Junior; Mourino, Navarro, Veiga, Pedraza; Pepe, Comesana, Gueye, Moleiro; Perez, Mikautadze

Elche possible starting lineup:

Dituro; Petrot, Affengruber, Chust, Valera; Morente, Febas, Aguado, Cepeda; A Silva, Mir

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We say: Villarreal 2-1 Elche

 

Elche’s offensive capabilities should lead to a goal on Sunday. However, we do not anticipate them being able to completely stifle Villarreal’s attack, and the Yellow Submarine is expected to narrowly secure all three points.

For in-depth data analysis of the most probable results, scorelines, and more for this match, please click here.

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