Real Madrid vs Villarreal Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Alex Lawes ·
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Real Madrid have stumbled at the start of this season as Los Blancos now welcome an improving Villarreal side to the Bernabeu on Saturday.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / USA – 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 – Disney+ / USA – ESPN+
Real Madrid preview: Frustrating defeats
Jose Mourinho’s second stint in charge of Real Madrid began the season well but Los Blancos have now succumbed to two defeats in La Liga with defeats away from home against Real Betis and then Atletico Madrid.
Even their wins in the meantime have included extremely unconvincing victories against Internazionale in the UEFA Champions League as well as struggling Elche in the league and there are concerns about their performance level.
Villarreal preview: Improving Yellow Submarine
Inigo Perez led Rayo Vallecano to the final of the UEFA Europa Conference League, Villarreal poached him and have endured some teething issues at the start of this season before turning things around before the international break.
The Yellow Submarine eased to a comfortable 3-1 defeat of Malaga at La Rosaleda before they then eased another comfortable victory by the same scoreline against regional rivals Levante before the international break.
Real Madrid team news: Defensive injuries
Kylian Mbappe sustained a slight knee injury on international duty but Madrid have issues at the back as Dean Huijsen is now missing through suspension with Ibrahima Konate out due to a knee injury of his own.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Carreras, Cucurella; Fede Valverde, Tchouameni; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius Junior; Carlos Espi
Unavailable: Dean Huijsen (Suspended), Raul Asencio (Injured), Konate (Injured), Mendy (Injured), Rodrygo (Injured)
Questionable: Eder Militao (Fitness), Mbappe (Injured)
Villarreal team news: Santi Comesana a doubt
Having sustained an ankle injury in the aforementioned defeat of Levante a few weeks ago, former Rayo Vallecano midfielder Santi Comesana is a doubt for the visitors.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Gulacsi; Freeman, Pau Navarro, Veiga, Sergi Cardona; Buchanan, Saliba, Gueye, Alberto Moleiro; Ayoze, Akhomach
Unavailable:
Questionable: Santi Comesana (Injured)
Real Madrid vs Villarreal prediction
Inigo Perez is known for his intense and energetic style, which is very different to former very effective coach Marcelino beforehand. Villarreal will take some confidence from wins a couple of weeks ago, too, and should go at Real Madrid this weekend but Los Blancos will surely still remain favourites to creep to another three points in the capital city.
Real Madrid vs Villarreal tip: Real Madrid to win & both teams to score
