Overview
Villarreal have been going through a crisis since the beginning of December. Their latest defeat to Real Betis has extended their losing streak to three games in all competitions.
In general, Villarreal have not known the taste of victory in the last 5 matches. These disappointing results have caused them to fall behind in the rankings with only 26 points and ranked 6th.
One of Villarreal’s biggest weaknesses is their defense. In La Liga, the team has scored 28 goals, the third best record in the league, but has conceded 27 goals. This is also the obstacle that has caused Villarreal to play extremely poorly at the moment.
Rayo Vallecano have only 20 points from 16 La Liga games and are still far from the relegation zone. However, they have had some positive results recently, including a 3-3 draw against Real Madrid in La Liga round 16.
A point against Los Blancos will boost Rayo Vallecano's morale in their trip to Villarreal.
In terms of head-to-head record, Rayo Vallecano has been inferior to Villarreal but has been gradually improving recently. They have won 2, drawn 1 and lost 1 in their last 4 matches against Villarreal.
Human resources situation
Villarreal will be without Baena, Kiko and Dani Parejo through suspension, while Alfonso Pedraza is still recovering from a hamstring injury. Nicolas Pepe is also out with a thigh injury and is expected to return early in the new year.
On the other side of the front line, Pelayo Fernandez is absent due to a hamstring injury and can only return in early 2025. Raul de Tomas has not fully recovered and has been out for the last 4 matches.
Expected lineup:
Villarreal: Junior, Bernat, Albiol, Bailly, Cardona, Pino, Gueye, Barry, Cabanes, Moreno, Perez.
Rayo Vallecano: Batalla, Ratiu, Lejeune, Mumin, Chavarria, Ciss, Lopez, De Frutos, Palazon, Embarba, Nteka.
The match between Villarreal and Vallecano takes place at 3:30 a.m. on December 19 (Vietnam time).
