Overview
Last weekend, Villarreal beat Rayo Vallecano with a minimal score thanks to a precious goal from Azoye Perez. This victory helped coach Marcelino's team extend their unbeaten streak to 6.
Before that, Villarreal beat Mallorca, Valladolid, Las Palmas and drew with Atletico Madrid, Valencia. Up to round 26, they were in the top 5, a position that guaranteed them a place in the European Cup next season.
Villarreal will aim for the next victory when facing Espanyol. At the moment, the attack of the home team at Estadi de la Ceramica is highly appreciated, scoring 48 goals after 25 rounds in La Liga - only behind Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Notably, Ayoze Perez scored 11 goals in the tournament and has scored in all three of Valencia's most recent victories. In addition, Thierro Barry (8 goals) or Alex Baena (6 goals) are also other hopes for the home team.
Meanwhile, Espanyol have been playing very hard in recent rounds. In the last 7 rounds of La Liga, the Catalan club has only lost once (Real Sociedad). The rest, coach Manolo Gonzalez's team won against Valladolid, Real Madrid, Alaves as well as drew Leganes, Sevilla, Athletic Bilbao.
Espanyol's attack is not too strong, but they have still scored regularly during this period with 8 goals.
However, if put on the scale, Villarreal is still slightly ahead of their opponent. Not to mention, the Castellon team won all 4 recent encounters against Espanyol, scoring a total of 12 goals against the opponent. It is likely that Marcelino's army will once again enjoy the joy of victory.
Personnel situation
Villarreal will not have the services of Ilias Akhomach and Gerard Moreno in this match due to injury. Meanwhile, Kiko femenia's ability to play is still open.
On the other side of the front line, Fernando Pacheco and Jose Gragera are absent due to injury, while Pere Milla is uncertain to be healthy enough to start.
Expected lineup:
Villarreal: Conde, Foyth, Kambwala, Costa, Cardona, Pino, Comesana, Gueye, Baena, Ayoze, Barry.
Espanyol: Garcia, El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Romero, Lozano, Gonzalez, Carreras, Kral, Puado, Fernandez.
The match between Villarreal and Espanyol takes place at 3:00 am on January 4 (Vietnam time).
