Alaves vs Villarreal Preview and Prediction

Alaves vs Villarreal Match Preview

Alaves welcome Villarreal to the Mendizorroza on Saturday for a clash in La Liga, aiming to bounce back from their last defeat.

The Babazorros were beaten 3-1 by defending champions Barcelona on Saturday. Robert Lewandowski and Ilkay Gundogan’s strikes had the Catalans 2-0 up by the 49th minute before Samu Omorodion pulled one back for the hosts. Alaves were handed a lifeline there, but Vitor Roque ended their hopes of a comeback with a third goal just past the hour mark.

After three consecutive top-flight wins, and four games unbeaten, the Basque Country outfit succumbed to a defeat again. But they remained in 11th place on the La Liga table with 26 points from 23 games, nine clear of the relegation zone. 

By contrast, Villarreal have accrued two points fewer than Alaves, and sit three places adrift of them in the top-flight standings. So often a contender for European places, the Valencian outfit have seen a steep decline this season, winning only six times from 23 games. However, their last victory came on 27 January this year when they defeated Barcelona 5-3 on the road.

Having trailed 2-0 in the match, the Catalans fought back in the second half to make it 3-2. Villarreal then made another comeback, netting thrice late on to win a pulsating encounter. 

It was a vintage performance from the Yellow Submarine, who appeared to have found their rhythm again. But much to their fans’ chagrin, they only draw 0-0 with Cadiz at home in their very next match. 

The club has also seen three managers this season. Quique Setien, who replaced the Aston Villa-bound Unai Emery last season, was sacked in September. Pacheta was at the helm for just two months before former manager Marcelino was re-appointed in November. 

Ten league games into his tenure, things have hardly improved. He’s overseen just three wins during this period, with the Barcelona victory being the highlight so far. Unless Villarreal’s form improves, Marcelino too may not survive in the job, facing a sack at the end of the current season.

Alaves vs Villarreal Team News

Aleksandar Sedlar is a long-term absentee with a cruciate ligament tear. Kike Garcia and Carlos Vicente are both out with muscle problems. But in a major boost for El Glorioso, Andoni Gorosabel returns from a suspension and slot right back into their starting XI.

Samu Omorodion has scored eight goals in his last 13 games for Alaves in La Liga, including one against Barcelona in their last outing. The hosts will rely on him once again to produce the goods upfront. 

Predicted XI: Antonio Sivera; Andoni Gorosabel, Ruben Duarte, Rafa Marin, Javi Lopez; Ander Guevara, Antonio Blanco, Jon Guridi; Alex Sola, Samu Omorodion, Luis Rioja

Villarreal are without Yeremy Pino, who is a long-term absentee with cruciate ligament surgery. Ramon Terrats has a meniscus injury and isn’t expected to return before April, whereas Alfonso Pedraza is another player who is set to be sidelined from Saturday’s encounter.

Aston Villa-loanee Bertrand Traore could be available after recovering from a knock, but Marcelino could be wary of throwing him at the deep end right away. He could thereby start him off the bench. Therefore, Goncalo Guedes should retain his spot on the left wing.

Predicted XI: Filip Jorgensen; Kiko Femenia, Raul Albiol, Jorge Cuenca, Alberto Moreno; Goncalo Guedes, Santi Comesana, Francis Coquelin,Alex Baena; Alexander Sorloth, Gerard Moreno.

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Alaves vs Villarreal Head-To-Head

Last 5 games head-to-head

Villarreal 1-1 Alaves (La Liga, October 2023)

Alaves 2-1 Villarreal (La Liga, April 2022)

Villarreal 5-2 Alaves (La Liga, December 2021)

Alaves 2-1 Villarreal (La Liga, April 2021)

Villarreal 3-1 Alaves  (La Liga, September 2020)

In the last five encounters between the sides, the spoils are equally shared with two wins for each. Also, interestingly, the winner on all four of those occasions has been the home side.

However, it’s worth noting that Alaves have won six of their nine La Liga home games to Villarreal in the 21st century. It’s the most home wins that the Babazorros have managed against a side during this period. 

Prediction

It’s a clash of two struggling and inconsistent teams, making it hard for us to know what to expect from them. In their earlier meeting this season, Alaves and Villarreal played out a dour 1-1 stalemate, and a similar result is on the cards in their second league encounter too.

Predicted score: Alaves 1-1 Villarreal 

Betting Tips

• Alaves and Villarreal to draw
• Goals over 2.5: No
• Both teams to score: Yes

Odds

• Alaves: 2.24
• Draw: 3.50
• Villarreal: 3.40

Alaves vs Villarreal Where To Watch

• Date and Time: Saturday, 10th February at 01:00 PM (GMT)
• India: Sports 18, Sports 18 HD TV
• UK: Viaplay (formerly Premier Sports), ITV
• US: ESPN, ESPN+

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