Villarreal vs Almeria Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 Spanish Primera
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THE FACTS
When is Villarreal vs Almeria on and what time does it start? Villarreal vs Almeria will take place on Sunday 17th September, 2023 – 15:15 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Villarreal vs Almeria? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Villarreal vs Almeria on in the UK? Villarreal vs Almeria 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 Almeria in the UK? Villarreal vs Almeria can be streamed live on Viaplay, while ITV matches can be streamed live on ITVX
THE LOWDOWN
VILLARREAL
Villarreal became the first club in La Liga to sack their manager over the international break with Fernando Roig deciding now was the time to get rid of Quique Setien. The former Barcelona and Real Betis manager has always been quite controversial with his sometimes snooty comments on the right way to play football and, despite some good results last season and decent performances this season, he has parted ways with the Yellow Submarine.
They have suffered three defeats in their opening four matches and a 3-1 loss against Cadiz before the break was the final nail in the coffin. Setien, who endured a really tough pre-season too, has been replaced by another attacking manager in Pacheta, who was coach of Real Valladolid last season as they were relegated, albeit it was their first season since promotion and they did achieve an impressive points tally of over 40 points as they went down.
ALMERIA
Almeria gained promotion back to the Spanish top-flight in 2022 and then avoided relegation on the final day of last season in an extremely competitive bottom-half of the table in La Liga. The Andalusians have lost key man El Bilal Toure to Atalanta for a hefty fee over the summer and they are expected to, once again, battle against finishing in the bottom three and the relegation places.
Under the management of Vicente Moreno, La Union come into this on the back of a 3-2 defeat at home to Celta Vigo in their most recent outing, a couple of weeks ago before the international break. That means they have started this season by collecting just one point from their opening four matches and that includes losing three games out of three at home.
THE TEAM NEWS
VILLARREAL
Pacheta is having to put up with suspended Alfonso Pedraza as well as Alexander Sorloth, Alberto Moreno and Francis Coquelin who are injured, whilst Ben Brereton Diaz is a doubt for this one.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Jorgensen; Foyth, Albiol, Cuenca, Femenia; Terrats, Suarez, Baena; Gerard, Akhomach, Pino
UNAVAILABLE: Pedroza (Suspended), Sorloth (Injured), Moreno (Injured), Coquelin (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Brereton Diaz (Injured)
ALMERIA
The visitors are still dealing with the long-term injury absentee of Martin Svidersky but they could well be unchanged for this weekend’s trip to Villarreal.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Maximiano; Pubil, Chumi, Fernandes, Akieme; Robertone, Baba; Embarba, Melero, Ramazani; Suarez
UNAVAILABLE: Svidersky (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
This one is quite intriguing as Villarreal get to grips with new management. Over the past few seasons, the Yellow Submarine have shone on the European stage with Unai Emery but will be a little concerned of stagnation and even decline. They face an Almeria side that after a difficult summer look set for a case of second season syndrome and could have a tough battle on their hands to avoid the drop. Villarreal should win and Pacheta should get off to a good start, especially at El Madrigal.
TIP: VILLARREAL TO WIN
