Villarreal vs Alaves Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
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THE FACTS
When is Villarreal vs Alaves on and what time does it start? Villarreal vs Alaves will take place on Sunday 22nd October, 2023 – 17:30 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Villarreal vs Alaves? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Villarreal vs Alaves on in the UK? Villarreal vs Alaves will be televised live on LaLigaTV, but La Liga matches are also televised occasionally on Viaplay Sports and ITV
Where can I stream Villarreal vs Alaves in the UK? Villarreal vs Alaves can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
VILLARREAL
The start of this season began with uncertainty for Villarreal as Quique Setien, despite leading the Yellow Submarine to fifth place last season, not quite yet winning over supporters and by the September international break, Setien was sacked and replaced by former Real Valladolid boss, Pacheta.
Pacheta, though, just a month into the job is under pressure at El Madrigal. He began with a much-needed 2-1 defeat of fellow strugglers Almeria but Villarreal have since managed just one win in six matches across all competitions, with that win coming against Rennes, needing Pepe Reina to make a second-half stoppage-time penalty save.
ALAVES
Under the management of Luis Garcia Plata, Deportivo Alaves regained La Liga status last season, winning the Segunda Division playoffs in June. The Basque club will be reliant on home advantage at Mendizarozza this season and will begin this weekend’s round of fixtures a little concerned by their form, following the international break.
They went into the break on the back of a 1-1 draw at home to Real Betis a couple of weeks ago, extending their current winless run of form to five matches in Spain’s top-flight. They have managed just two victories in their opening nine matches as they begin the match day sitting just outside of the bottom three and the relegation places.
THE TEAM NEWS
VILLARREAL
Villarreal are without the suspended Alex Baena as well as several other injuries such as Francis Coquelin, Denis Suarez and Yeremy Pino.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Foyth, Albiol, Mandi, Alfonso; Parejo, Capoue; Gerard, Trigueros, Brereton Diaz; Sorloth
UNAVAILABLE: Baena (Suspended), Pino (Injured), Suarez (Injured), Coquelin (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
ALAVES
Luis Garcia Plata remains without Giuliano Simeone, on loan from Atletico Madrid, who suffered a horrific leg break during Alaves’ pre-season match against Burgos.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Sivera; Gorosabel, Abqar, Sedlar, Lopez; Guridi, Guevara; Sola, Hagi, Rioja; Kike
UNAVAILABLE: Simeone (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Carballo (Injured)
THE PREDICTION
It has been a difficult start to life with Villarreal for Pacheta and failing to defeat struggling, newly-promoted opposition at home could end up being something a little more severe than the pressure he is currently under. With intent to play a genuinely proactive style of football, Villarreal will be confident of overwhelming a static and out of form Alaves side that will be forced to rely on their opposition continuing to underperform. This one, despite their difficult run of recent form, should be a home win.
TIP: VILLARREAL TO WIN
