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Mixed martial arts Villarreal vs Valladolid Prediction: Team News and Lineups Preview
The battle for European places in La Liga is very much on and our expert Nathan Joyes has provided his Villarreal vs Valladolid Best Bet, team news, lineups and fixtures preview.
Villarreal picked up a very respectable point on the road to Atletico Madrid last weekend, and now return home to Estadio de la Ceramica, where they were last seen hammering Mallorca 4-0.
Valladolid were whitewashed by Real Madrid as their fight for survival took a turn, and now with just one win in their last five, the pressure is on as they are now five points adrift.
Villarreal vs Valladolid Prediction: Professional job from the hosts
Spain, La Liga, Sunday, February 1st, 15:15 (UK)
Villarreal have picked up four points against Mallorca and Atletico Madrid from their last two outings, keeping them very much in the thick of it when it comes to securing a European spot for next season.
Having only lost one of their last five (W2 D2 L1), the Yellow Submarines are five points clear of Rayo Vallecano in 7th – and 19 points ahead of their next opponents.
A blend of experienced heads as well as promising young players have helped Marcelino’s side to look more the part this season compared to last. Forward Thierno Barry is receiving plenty of plaudits, while Yeremy Pino is finding his feet after missing most of the 2023/24 campaign.
Back at home, Villarreal will be hoping to keep their momentum going, and it shouldn’t be difficult against the side propping up the table.
Last week I banked on Valladolid having a quiet day at the office against Real Madrid and it very much played out as expected. The hosts couldn’t get close to the La Liga leaders with just the one shot on target across the 90 minutes. To make matters worse, Mario Martin was sent off and will be suspended for their clash against Villarreal. Far from ideal.
On their travels it hasn’t been much better, picking up just three points from a possible 30, scoring just seven yet conceding 27. They’ve also lost their last five La Liga matches away from home, scoring two goals – one against Espanyol, the other vs Las Palmas.
With an xG of 0.23, 0.98 and 0.02 in the games they didn’t find the back of the net, it’s a desperate situation Valladolid find themselves in. Relegation looms large with still 17 rounds to play.
Villarreal did win the reverse leg 2-1, but heading into this clash having conceded just once in their last 220 minutes of domestic action, the Yellow Submarines can hold firm at home against a side lacking direction.
This price moved from 1.80 into 1.60 prior to kick-off last week, and so it’s best to bank this one nice and early.
Villarreal vs Valladolid Prediction odds via bet365 as at 17:00, January 27th, 2025. Odds may now differ.
Villarreal vs Valladolid Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups
Villarreal only have three players out injured at present. Ilias Akhomach and Alfonso Pedraza are long term absences, while Dani Parejo, who scored and assisted against Mallorca, missed the trip to Madrid with a foot injury. The 35-year-old is likely to miss this clash, too.
All the talk is around their French forward Thierno Barry, who has impressed since his move from Basel, but it has been his experienced partner Gerard Moreno who comes into this game with two goals to his name from his last five matches.
As mentioned, Mario Martin picked up two yellow cards against Real Madrid and is therefore suspended. However, Stanko Juric returns from his own suspension and the Croatian is likely to slot straight back in due to Martin watching on from the sidelines.
Forward Raul Moro recently broke his collarbone, and so the visitors are rather light up front heading into this clash.
Villarreal possible starting lineup:
Reis; Cardona, Kambwala, Costa, Femenia, Pino, Comesana, Gueye, Baena, Barry, Moreno
Valladolid possible starting lineup:
Hein; Rosa, Torres, Sanchez, Perez, Anuar, Amallah, Perez, Sanchez, Sylla, Andre
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