Alaves vs Villarreal Preview: Team News & Prediction
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Deportivo Alaves are right in the fight against relegation in La Liga as they welcome a strong and entertaining Villarreal side to the Basque Country on Friday night.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so any game may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / US – ESPN+
Alaves preview: New era for Alaves
Alaves come into this one on the back of a 3-2 loss to Valencia the other day in a game in which they were 2-1 up heading into second-half stoppage-time at Mestalla, conceding a 99th minute Hugo Duro winner.
The Basque outfit have recently been rocked by the surprise departure of Eduardo Coudet to River Plate, with former Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores having been appointed at the Mendizorroza.
Villarreal preview: Steady Yellow Submarine
They now face a Villarreal side that overcame regional rivals Elche by two goals to one at El Madrigal due to first-half strikes from Canada international attacker Tajon Buchanan and Uruguay international defender Santiago Mourino.
The Yellow Submarine begin this weekend's round of fixtures sitting 11 points clear of fifth in La Liga. The visitors have now enjoyed three victories in their last four matches in Spain's top-flight after a bit of a wobble.
Alaves team news: Couple of suspensions
Alaves have a couple of fresh suspension issues for this weekend as centre-back Jon Pacheco is now sidelined alongside experienced central midfielder Ander Guevara.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Antonio Sivera; Tenaglia, Carlos Benavidez, Yusi, Jonny; Denis Suarez, Antonio Blanco, Jon Guridi, Carles Alena; Toni Martinez, Lucas Boye
Unavailable: Jon Pacheco (Suspended), Garces (Disciplinary), Ander Guevara (Suspended)
Questionable:
Villarreal team news: A few issues
Villarreal are dealing with a few issues for this one with Pau Navarro a fresh doubt alongside former Newcastle United attacker Ayoze Perez.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Junior; Santiago Mourino, Rafa Marin, Veiga, Sergi Cardona; Buchanan, Santi Comesana, Gueye, Alberto Moleiro; Pepe, Mikautadze
Unavailable: Costa (Injured), Foyth (Injured), Pau Cabanes (Injured)
Questionable: Kambwala (Injured), Pau Navarro (Injured), Ayoze (Injured)
Alaves vs Villarreal prediction
Marcelino has done an excellent job since being appointed Villarreal boss and he is a master motivator - so he will be confident of ensuring they avoid inertia before the end of the season. Alaves should be quite strong here, as they were last weekend and they have now home advantage, and so it should be quite a good watch for the neutral on Friday night.
Alaves vs Villarreal tip: Both teams to score
