Villarreal vs Oviedo Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Villarreal are heading into a campaign in which they have to balance La Liga with the UEFA Champions League, as they begin against newly-promoted Real Oviedo.
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 Villarreal vs Oviedo may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Villarreal preview: Impressive Yellow Submarine
For the last couple of years, since the COVID-19 pandemic when they won the UEFA Europa League, Villarreal have returned to making some intriguing and exciting signings to support manager Marcelino, formerly of Olympique de Marseille and Valencia.
This summer has seen them lose Thierno Barry to Everton and Alex Baena to Atletico Madrid, but the Yellow Submarine have been able to bring in exciting attacker Alberto Moleiro from Las Palmas, as well as defenders Copete and Santiago Mourino.
Oviedo preview: Back in La Liga
For the first time in well over a decade, Real Oviedo will be playing top-flight football once again after the Asturians managed to finally gain promotion from the second-tier via the playoffs, having lost the playoff final the season before.
Oviedo, who have former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla in their side, have added some intriguing signings this summer, such as Salomon Rondon. They are coached by former Reading boss Veljko Paunovic.
Villarreal team news: Defensive injuries
Villarreal head into their opening day clash with a couple of injury issues at centre-back as Logan Costa is sidelined alongside former Manchester United man Willy Kambwala.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Diego Conde; Foyth, Santiago Mourino, Rafa Marin, Alfonso Pedraza; Yeremy Pino, Santi Comesana, Dani Parejo, Alberto Moleiro; Pepe, Gerard
Unavailable: Costa (Injured), Kambwala (Injured)
Questionable:
Oviedo team news: David Costas suspended
Oviedo will be dealing without experienced defender David Costas, who is missing through suspension for the Asturians, with fellow defender Alvaro Lemos out injured.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Aaron; Nacho Vidal, Oier Luengo, Dani Calvo, Abdel Rahim; Sibo, Santi Cazorla; Ilyas Chaira, Ilic, Domingues; Salomon Rondon
Unavailable: David Costas (Suspended), Alvaro Lemos (Injured)
Questionable: Hassan (Injured), Colombatto (Injured), Ejaria (Ineligible)
Villarreal vs Oviedo prediction
Marcelino is expected to have Villarreal once again pushing up towards the top end of the table, but the Yellow Submarine could have some early season teething issues with a few defensive absentees and another fairly busy summer. Oviedo will be solid enough, and the Asturians have added some intriguing attacking talent. Villarreal remain favourites at El Madrigal but it may not be a straightforward victory against newly-promoted opposition.
Villarreal vs Oviedo tip: Villarreal to win & both teams to score
