Villarreal vs. Mallorca Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 20 January 2025 - bettingexpert
The 20th round of LaLiga brings us an intriguing clash between Villarreal and Mallorca at Estadio de la Cerámica. Both teams, currently tied with 30 points, are battling for precious European qualification spots. Positioned 5th and 6th respectively, this match could have significant implications for their European ambitions.
Villarreal, the bookmaker’s favorite with odds at 1.76, will be thrilled to have Yeremy back from suspension to bolster their squad. Despite having no clean sheets in their last five matches, Villarreal has a strong home advantage and has scored in all their home games this season.
Mallorca, having won their last two LaLiga matches, arrive with Cyle Larin as their top scorer. However, they will miss Antonio Raillo due to injury, though Muriqi is expected to play despite physical discomfort.
Referee José Munuera, who averages zero red cards per game this season, will oversee the match. Given Mallorca’s tendency to score in the early second half and Villarreal’s consistent goal-scoring at home, our match prediction strongly leans towards a Villarreal win, confidently estimated at a 90% chance.
Villarreal vs Mallorca Prediction & Betting Tip
Our betting tip for this match is to back Villarreal to win, given their strong home advantage and recent performance metrics.
| Villarreal vs Mallorca Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Villarreal to win | 1.75 |
- Villarreal has scored in 100% of their home matches this season, showcasing their attacking prowess.
- Mallorca has only kept one clean sheet in their last five games, indicating defensive vulnerabilities.
- Villarreal won 3 out of their last 4 matches against Mallorca, with an average of 4 goals per match in these games.
Expect an action-packed game with Villarreal capitalizing on their home form and Mallorca’s recent struggles.
Villarreal vs Mallorca Odds
When it comes to the odds for this exciting LaLiga clash between Villarreal and Mallorca, the bookmakers are leaning towards a home victory for Villarreal. Let’s break down the numbers:
| Villarreal vs Mallorca Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Villarreal | 1.76 |
| Draw | 3.58 |
| Mallorca | 4.77 |
Villarreal are the favorites, with a solid 1.76 odds for a home win. They’ve been strong at home, scoring in all their matches at Estadio de la Cerámica this season.
If you fancy a draw, the odds are 3.58, reflecting the potential for a tightly contested match.
For those backing Mallorca, the odds are set at 4.77, indicating an underdog status but still offering value for a surprise result.
Villarreal Team Analysis
Villarreal Recent Performance
Villarreal’s form has been a mixed bag over their last five matches, with one win, one draw, and three losses. Here’s a snapshot of their recent results:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Real Sociedad | Villarreal | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Leganes | Villarreal | 2-5 (Win) |
| Villarreal | Rayo Vallecano | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Villarreal | Real Betis | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Athletic Club | Villarreal | 2-0 (Loss) |
Despite an inconsistent run, Villarreal continues to be prolific in front of goal, averaging 1.40 goals per match in their last five outings. However, they have struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in the same period.
With Yeremy returning from suspension, Villarreal will look to strengthen their squad and improve their league standing. Home advantage at Estadio de la Ceramica, where they have scored in every game this season, could be a significant boost.
Villarreal Key Players
Villarreal’s squad is packed with talent, and their key players will be crucial in this fixture against Mallorca. Leading the line will be Ayoze Perez, who has been the team’s top scorer with 8 goals this season.
In midfield, Daniel Parejo is the heartbeat of the team, orchestrating play and providing crucial assists. Parejo’s partnership with Santi Comesaña is expected to dominate the midfield battle.
Yeremy, returning from suspension, adds pace and creativity on the flanks, potentially causing problems for Mallorca’s defense.
Here’s the expected lineup for Villarreal:
- Goalkeeper: Luiz Júnior
- Defenders: Kiko Femenia, Juan Foyth, Willy Kambwala, Sergi Cardona
- Midfielders: Yeremy Pino, Santi Comesaña, Daniel Parejo, Alejandro Baena
- Forwards: Pape Gueye, Thierno Barry
Key individual battles to watch include Ayoze Perez against Martin Valjent and Yeremy Pino against Johan Mojica.
Villarreal Suspensions & Injuries
Villarreal faces a challenging situation with several key players dealing with injuries. This could potentially impact their performance and squad depth against Mallorca.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Alfonso Pedraza | Cruciate ligament injury | Late January 2025 |
| Ilias Akhomach | Cruciate ligament injury | Unknown |
| Nicolas Pepe | Thigh injury | Doubtful |
| Ramón Terrats | Foot injury | Doubtful |
| Diego Conde | Knee injury | Early February 2025 |
These injuries might force Marcelino to make tactical adjustments and rely on squad depth to secure a positive result. The absence of Pedraza and Akhomach, in particular, could affect the team’s defensive stability and attacking options.
Fortunately, there are no suspensions for Villarreal, ensuring they have a full complement of players outside of those injured.
Villarreal Tactics and Formation
Villarreal Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-4-2
- Key Forward: Thierno Barry
- Creative Midfielders: Denis Suárez and Dani Parejo
- Defensive Setup: Anchored by Juan Foyth and Willy Kambwala
With Marcelino at the helm, Villarreal often lines up in a 4-4-2 formation, utilizing a balanced approach. Thierno Barry leads the attack, supported by the creative prowess of Denis Suárez and Dani Parejo in midfield. Returning players like Yeremy will bolster the wide areas, adding depth on the flanks. In defense, the partnership of Juan Foyth and Willy Kambwala aims to improve stability, crucial given the team’s recent struggles to keep clean sheets.
Mallorca Team Analysis
Mallorca Recent Performance
Mallorca’s recent form has been a mixed bag with 2 wins and 3 losses in their last 5 games. They’ve recorded a couple of surprising away victories but have also suffered some heavy defeats, indicating inconsistency.
Mallorca’s last 5 matches:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Real Madrid | Mallorca | 3 – 0 (Loss) |
| Pontevedra | Mallorca | 3 – 0 (Loss) |
| Getafe | Mallorca | 0 – 1 (Win) |
| Mallorca | Girona | 2 – 1 (Win) |
| Celta Vigo | Mallorca | 2 – 0 (Loss) |
In recent games, Mallorca has struggled to find the back of the net, averaging just 0.60 goals scored per match, while keeping only one clean sheet.
Their top scorer, Cyle Larin, has netted 5 goals so far but will need to step up alongside his teammates for more consistent results.
Mallorca Key Players
Expected lineup for Mallorca:
- Goalkeeper: Dominik Greif
- Defenders: Pablo Maffeo, Martin Valjent, Antonio Raíllo, Johan Mojica
- Midfielders: Takuma Asano, Omar Mascarell, Samú Costa, Cyle Larin
- Attackers: Vedat Muriqi, Sergi Darder
Mallorca’s standout performer this season has been their top scorer, Cyle Larin, with 5 goals. His battle against Villarreal’s solid defenders, like Juan Foyth and Willy Kambwala, will be pivotal.
Midfielder Omar Mascarell and defender Antonio Raíllo, if fit, are also crucial in providing stability and creativity in the middle of the park and defense. Watch for Sergi Darder’s contributions from the flank, adding an extra dimension to their attacks.
Mallorca Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Manu Morlanes | Physical discomfort | Doubtful |
| Antonio Raíllo | Muscle injury | Late January 2025 |
| Vedat Muriqi | Physical discomfort | Doubtful |
| Player | Suspension | Expected return |
| —————- | —————— | ————————- |
| Ivan Cuellar | Post-match sanction | 2 matches left |
Mallorca faces several challenges with injuries and suspensions that might impact their performance against Villarreal. With key players like Manu Morlanes and Vedat Muriqi doubtful, and Antonio Raíllo out until late January, their depth and flexibility are tested. Ivan Cuellar’s suspension further thins their defensive options. These absences might force coach Jagoba Arrasate to adapt his tactics and rely on his squad’s depth, potentially stressing the midfield and defense.
Mallorca Tactics and Formation
Mallorca’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-4-2
- Key Forwards: Cyle Larin & Vedat Muriqi
- Midfield Composition: Takuma Asano, Omar Mascarell, Samú Costa, Sergi Darder
- Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games
- Notable Strategy: Scoring most of their goals in the 46-60 minute interval
Mallorca typically sets up in a 4-4-2 formation, with a focus on leveraging the physical presence of their forwards, Larin and Muriqi. The midfield, marshaled by Omar Mascarell and Samú Costa, aims to control the central areas and facilitate quick transitions, exploiting the wings through Asano and Darder. Despite recent injury concerns, their defensive lineup remains solid, with Pablo Maffeo and Johan Mojica offering both defensive and offensive contributions from the full-back positions.
Villarreal vs Mallorca Head-to-Head Statistics
There is no recent head-to-head information available for this fixture.
It can be assumed that the teams have not played against each other in the current season.
Odds accurate as of 18 January 2025 20:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
