Overview
Alaves entered this match with poor form after just experiencing two consecutive defeats, most recently the 2-3 defeat to Valencia. This result caused the Basque team to drop to 16th place in the La Liga standings.
The blue and white team has not won since the end of January, only earning 2 points in the last 5 rounds. The gap with the relegation group is now only 2 points, making their relegation battle increasingly tense.
However, Alaves' foothold lies at home. They have won 19 points after 13 matches at Mendizorroza this season, a much better achievement than the difficulties when playing away from home in the 2025-2026 season.
In the most recent confrontation between the two teams in January, Villarreal won 3-1. However, in terms of head-to-head history, Alaves is still slightly better with 16 wins, compared to Villarreal's 14 wins and 3 draws.
On Villarreal's side, the "Yellow Submarine" traveled to Alaves after a 2-1 victory over Elche. This result helped coach Marcelino's team rise to fourth place in the standings with 54 points after 27 matches, including 17 wins, 3 draws and 7 defeats.
Villarreal is currently tied in points with Atletico Madrid in third place and 11 points ahead of fifth-placed Real Betis. This helps them have a great advantage in the race to win tickets to the Champions League next season.
Villarreal's away record this season is also quite stable as they have won 20 points after 13 away matches. If they win against Alaves, Marcelino's team can narrow the gap with second-placed Real Madrid to 6 points.
Personnel situation
Alaves will be short of 2 players due to suspensions in the upcoming match, as Ander Guevara and Jon Pacheco were both sent off in the previous defeat to Valencia.
However, the home team also received positive news. Victor Parada and Pablo Ibanez returned after serving their suspension and are ready to be in the squad.
Carlos Protesoni had to leave the field in the first half in the most recent match and is likely to be absent from the reception of Villarreal. Apart from this case, Alaves has not recorded any other significant injury problems.
On the other side, Villarreal is still missing some players due to injuries, including Pau Cabanes, Logan Costa, Juan Foyth and Willy Kambwala.
Meanwhile, Ayoze Perez and Pau Navarro are still uncertain about their ability to play. Both will have to undergo a fitness test before kick-off to decide whether to participate or not.
In the most recent victory against Elche, Tajon Buchanan was a prominent player and is likely to continue to start in the wing striker position. Nicolas Pepe is also expected to take on the central role in Villarreal's attack.
Expected lineup:
Sivera, Tenaglia, Yusi, Parada, Otto, Perez, Guridi, Blanco, Suarez, Boye, Martinez.
Luiz Junior, Mourino, Veiga, Marin, S. Cardona, Buchanan, Comesana, Gueye, Moleiro, Pepe, Mikautadze.
The match between Alaves and Villarreal takes place at 3:00 AM on March 14 (Vietnam time).
