Las Palmas vs. Villarreal Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 8 February 2025 - bettingexpert
Looking ahead to the clash on 8 February 2025 at Estadio de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas will host Villarreal in LaLiga’s 23rd round. This matchup sees a struggling Las Palmas, sitting 15th with 23 points, up against Villarreal, who occupy 5th place with 37 points and are chasing European qualification.
Las Palmas have been out of form, managing only four points from their last five matches. Their recent results, such as a 2-1 loss to Girona and a 4-0 thrashing by Elche, underline their struggles. Furthermore, the injury list, including key players like Sandro Ramirez and Adnan Januzaj, adds to their woes. The lack of clean sheets in the last five games and an average of just 0.80 goals scored per game highlight their defensive and offensive inefficiencies.
On the other side, Villarreal come into this fixture as the bookmakers’ favourites. Marcelino’s side has earned 10 points from the last five games, highlighted by an impressive 5-1 win over Valladolid. Despite missing key players like Gerard Moreno, their attack, led by Ayoze Perez, remains potent, as shown by their average of three goals per game in the last five outings. They also have an advantage defensively with more consistency shown by players like Juan Foyth.
Given the context, Villarreal to win is our recommended bet, reflecting their solid recent form and superior league standing.
This match offers a glimpse into two teams with starkly different goals: Las Palmas seeking to distance themselves from the relegation zone, and Villarreal vying for a spot in Europe.
Las Palmas vs Villarreal Prediction & Betting Tip
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| Las Palmas vs Villarreal Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting Tip | Odds |
| Villarreal to win | 1.85 |
- Villarreal have shown strong form, earning 10 points out of the last 15 available.
- Las Palmas have struggled defensively, conceding an average of 1.6 goals per match and failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five games.
- Key injuries and suspensions weaken Las Palmas further, while Villarreal’s attack has averaged three goals per game recently.
Las Palmas vs Villarreal Odds
Let’s take a quick look at the betting odds for this exciting LaLiga clash at the Estadio de Gran Canaria.
| Las Palmas vs Villarreal Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Las Palmas | 4.40 |
| Draw | 3.91 |
| Villarreal | 1.74 |
Villarreal are the favorites here, which isn’t surprising given their strong form and higher position in the league. The odds reflect their attacking prowess, scoring freely in recent games. Las Palmas, while having home advantage, face an uphill battle, particularly with key players out. The draw offers considerable value as well, should Las Palmas manage to put up a stiff fight.
Las Palmas Team Analysis
Las Palmas Recent Performance
It’s been a rough patch for Las Palmas recently, as they struggle to find form. Their last five matches reflect a challenging period:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Girona | Las Palmas | 2-1 (Loss) |
| Las Palmas | Osasuna | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Real Madrid | Las Palmas | 4-1 (Loss) |
| Las Palmas | Getafe | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Elche | Las Palmas | 4-0 (Loss) |
Las Palmas have scored just 0.80 goals per game over their last five matches, which underlines their struggles up front. The lack of clean sheets also speaks volumes about their defensive frailties, as they’ve failed to keep their opponents at bay in any of these encounters. With key players injured or suspended, it’s been an uphill battle for Diego Martinez’s side.
Las Palmas Key Players
Las Palmas will be looking to their top scorer, Fábio Silva, to lead the charge against Villarreal. Silva has netted 7 goals this season, and his presence in front of the goal will be vital for their offensive play.
Manuel Fuster, playing in central midfield, and Alberto Moleiro on the left flank are also expected to play crucial roles. Their ability to create chances and control the game’s pace can make a significant difference.
Despite their recent struggles, Jasper Cillessen’s experience between the posts could help stabilize the defense.
Expected lineup for Las Palmas:
- Goalkeeper: Jasper Cillessen
- Defenders: Andy Pelmard, Alex Suárez, Scott McKenna, Mika Mármol
- Midfielders: Javi Munoz, Stefan Bajcetic, Manuel Fuster, Álex Muñoz, Alberto Moleiro
- Attacker: Fábio Silva
The key individual battle to watch will be Fábio Silva versus Villarreal’s Juan Foyth.
Las Palmas Suspensions & Injuries
Las Palmas are facing significant challenges with several key players ruled out due to injuries and suspensions. This will undoubtedly impact their depth and performance on the pitch.
Suspensions
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Dario Essugo | Yellow/red card | 1 match left |
| Jaime Mata | Yellow cards | 1 match left |
Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Marvin Park | Muscle injury | Doubtful |
| José Campaña | Hamstring injury | Late February 2025 |
| Sandro Ramirez | Leg injury | Late February 2025 |
| Adnan Januzaj | Muscle injury | Late February 2025 |
| Kirian Rodríguez | Virus | Doubtful |
These absentees will leave Las Palmas without some of their experienced options both in midfield and attack, potentially forcing coach Diego Martinez to rely on less experienced squad members.
Las Palmas Tactics and Formation
Las Palmas Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-5-1 (Expected)
Key Forward:
- Fabio Silva: With 7 goals this season, Silva will be the focal point in the attack.
Midfield Engine:
- Javier Munoz, Stefan Bajcetic, Manuel Fuster, Alex Muñoz, Alberto Moleiro: This midfield will aim to disrupt Villarreal’s flow and support Silva upfront.
Defensive Line:
- Andy Pelmard, Alex Suárez, Scott McKenna, Mika Mármol: An experienced yet struggling defensive line, having conceded 1.6 goals on average per match.
Tactics:
- Focused Midfield Battle: Coach Diego Martinez will likely rely on a congested midfield to disrupt Villarreal’s high-scoring attack.
- Counter-Attack Strategy: With Silva’s pace, Las Palmas may opt to hit Villarreal on the break.
Challenge:
- Depth Issues: Injuries and suspensions mean some less-experienced players might need to step up.
Villarreal Team Analysis
Villarreal Recent Performance
Villarreal has been in impressive form recently, boasting 3 wins, 1 draw, and only 1 loss in their last 5 matches. This run has propelled them into 5th place in LaLiga with 37 points. They achieved an impressive average of 3.00 goals per game during these encounters, showcasing their attacking prowess, while keeping 1 clean sheet.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Villarreal | Real Valladolid | 5-1 (Win) |
| Atletico Madrid | Villarreal | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Villarreal | Mallorca | 4-0 (Win) |
| Real Sociedad | Villarreal | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Leganes | Villarreal | 2-5 (Win) |
This form highlights their capability to score prolifically, with Ayoze Perez now leading their scoring charts with 9 goals.
Villarreal has successfully earned 10 out of a possible 15 points, demonstrating stability and strength in their performance. Having scored in 73% of their away matches this season, they are a formidable team to reckon with, especially when travelling.
Villarreal Key Players
Villarreal are led by their top scorer, Ayoze Perez, who has netted 9 goals so far this season. His sharp finishing ability makes him a constant threat in the attacking third. Behind Perez, the dynamic midfield trio of Yeremi Pino, Pape Gueye, and Santi Comesaña provide both creativity and stability—key elements that have driven Villarreal’s recent success. Additionally, the defense, anchored by Juan Foyth and Willy Kambwala, has been solid, keeping the team competitive in tough matches.
Expected lineup for Villarreal:
- Goalkeeper: Diego Conde
- Defenders: Kiko Femenia, Juan Foyth, Willy Kambwala, Sergi Cardona
- Midfielders: Yeremi Pino, Pape Gueye, Santi Comesaña, Alejandro Baena
- Attackers: Thierno Barry, Ayoze Perez
Key battles to watch include Perez versus Las Palmas’ centre-backs and Yeremi Pino’s duels with Las Palmas’ fullbacks.
Villarreal Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Alfonso Pedraza | Cruciate ligament injury | Late February 2025 |
| Ilias Akhomach | Cruciate ligament injury | Unknown |
| Gerard Moreno | Foot injury | Doubtful |
Villarreal are dealing with a few key injuries heading into this match. Gerard Moreno, their prominent forward, is doubtful due to a foot injury. His absence could impact their attacking potency. Alfonso Pedraza and Ilias Akhomach are both sidelined with long-term cruciate ligament injuries, weakening the team’s depth and defensive options.
The injuries present an opportunity for other players to step up, but losing such important squad members could make maintaining their recent strong form more challenging.
Villarreal Tactics and Formation
Villarreal’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-4-2
- Key Forwards: Thierno Barry, Ayoze Perez
- Midfield Quartet: Yéremi Pino, Pape Gueye, Santi Comesaña, Alejandro Baena
- Defensive Strength: Record of conceding 1.5 goals on average this season
- Notable Strategy: Consistent scoring away from home, having scored in 73% of away matches this season
With Marcelino at the helm, Villarreal often adopt an aggressive 4-4-2 formation that focuses on wide play and swift transitions. Ayoze Perez, as the top scorer with 9 goals, will likely be their go-to forward, supported by the energetic Thierno Barry.
In midfield, the mix of creativity from Alejandro Baena and solidity from Pape Gueye ensures balance. The dual pivots are crucial for breaking up opposition play and launching counter-attacks.
Yeremi Pino and Baena provide width, stretching the opposition defense and creating crosses for the forwards. Defensively, Juan Foyth and Willy Kambwala are pillars, ensuring a solid backline.
Las Palmas vs Villarreal Head-to-Head Statistics
Analyzing the recent encounters between Las Palmas and Villarreal provides an interesting backdrop for the forthcoming clash. Here’s a look at their last five meetings:
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Villarreal | Las Palmas | 3-1 |
| Las Palmas | Villarreal | 3-0 |
| Villarreal | Las Palmas | 1-2 |
| Las Palmas | Villarreal | 0-2 |
| Villarreal | Las Palmas | 4-0 |
These past results show a mixed bag of outcomes, suggesting that while Villarreal has had the upper hand most recently, Las Palmas isn’t a team to be underestimated on their day.
Each side has showcased both attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities in these matchups. This sets the stage for what promises to be an intriguing encounter at the Estadio de Gran Canaria.
Odds accurate as of 06/02/2025 17:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
