Real Madrid vs Villarreal Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
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THE FACTS
When is Real Madrid vs Villarreal on and what time does it start? Real Madrid vs Villarreal will take place on Sunday 17th December, 2023 – 20:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Real Madrid vs Villarreal? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Real Madrid vs Villarreal on in the UK? Real Madrid vs Villarreal will be televised live on LaLigaTV, but La Liga matches are also televised occasionally on Viaplay Sports and ITV
Where can I stream Real Madrid vs Villarreal in the UK? Real Madrid vs Villarreal can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
REAL MADRID
Carlo Ancelotti unnecessarily named a strong Real Madrid line-up in midweek as Los Blancos came out on top in a topsy turvy clash against Union Berlin, eventually winning by three goals to two and ending their UEFA Champions League group stage campaign with a 100% record. They are a couple of points off the top-of-the-table in La Liga.
That is because they were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Betis in their most recent outing at the Benito Villamarin, last weekend. Madrid, though, have been generally very strong and are unbeaten in their last 15 matches across all competitions since a defeat in the derby against Atletico at the Metropolitano in mid-to-late-September.
VILLARREAL
During the November international break, Villarreal appointed their third permanent manager of the season, Marcelino, after the spells of Quique Setien and Pacheta. Villarreal did immediately improve but have been a little unconvincing in their most recent outings but the Yellow Submarine did earn a much-needed 3-2 defeat of Rennes in the UEFA Europa League in midweek.
The visitors begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting firmly in the middle-of-the-table with their unconvincing form in La Liga meaning they are just a few points and places above the bottom three and the relegation places. Their 3-0 defeat at home to Real Sociedad last weekend means they have managed just one win in their last five Liga matches.
THE TEAM NEWS
REAL MADRID
Real Madrid still have injury concerns this weekend with Dani Carvajal, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler, Vinicius Junior and Eder Militao among those unavailable.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Lunin; Vazquez, Rudiger, Alaba, Garcia; Valverde, Kroos; Diaz, Modric, Bellingham; Rodrygo
UNAVAILABLE: Carvajal (Injured), Vinicius Junior (Injured), Camavinga (Injured), Guler (Injured), Tchouameni (Injured), Militao (Injured), Courtois (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
VILLARREAL
Villarreal have a few injury concerns for this weekend’s trip to the Bernabeu as Denis Suarez remains a doubt, whilst Santi Comesana, Aissa Mandi and Yeremy Pino are out injured.
PREDICTED XI (4-4-2): Jorgensen; Foyth, Albiol, Cuenca, Alfonso; Altimira, Capoue, Parejo, Baena; Gerard. Morales
UNAVAILABLE: Comesana (Injured), Mandi (Injured), Pino (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Suarez (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
Carlo Ancelotti has led a Real Madrid side playing in the most archetypal Real Madrid fashion as Los Blancos continue to overperform with such an extensive injury list – which has been the case throughout this season. They now face a Villarreal side that have been underperforming this year and remain underwhelming in the league, despite a minor improvement since the appointment of Marcelino. Madrid, as they grind their way through to the winter break, should win this one, especially at the Bernabeu.
TIP: REAL MADRID TO WIN
