Villarreal vs Espanyol: Match Preview & Betting Insights
LaLiga action heats up as Villarreal hosts Espanyol at El Madrigal on Monday, March 3. The Yellow Submarine is riding a wave of strong performances, while Espanyol is battling to stay clear of the relegation zone. Here’s a complete breakdown of the upcoming clash, including team news, key players, and betting predictions.
Current Form & Standings
Villarreal has been in excellent form, remaining unbeaten in their last six matches with four wins and two draws. Their most recent outing saw them claim a narrow 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano, with Ayoze Pérez finding the net. Currently sitting fifth in LaLiga, they are four points away from fourth-placed Athletic Club and are keen to close the gap.
Espanyol, on the other hand, has endured an inconsistent campaign. Positioned 15th in the league, they sit just four points above the relegation zone. While their recent 1-0 win over Deportivo Alavés provided a much-needed boost, they must deliver more consistent performances to avoid a late-season relegation battle.
Match Details
- Location: Villarreal, Spain
- Stadium: El Madrigal
- Date: Tuesday, March 4
- Kick-off Time: 1:30 AM IST / Monday, March 3 – 20:00 GMT / 13:00 ET / 12:00 PT
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches in All Competitions)
Villarreal: W-D-W-D-W
Espanyol: D-W-L-D-W
Key Players to Watch
The Spanish forward has been in outstanding form since his summer move, proving to be a vital asset in Villarreal’s attack. With three goals in his last four matches and 11 in 18 appearances this season, Pérez’s sharp movement and finishing ability make him a constant threat.
Espanyol’s leading goalscorer with eight goals this season, Puado has been one of the few bright spots for the team. His ability to find space in attacking areas and contribute to Espanyol’s offense will be crucial if they hope to secure a positive result.
Head-to-Head Record
- Total Matches Played: 25
- Villarreal Wins: 11
- Espanyol Wins: 4
- Draws: 10
Villarreal holds a strong record against Espanyol, remaining unbeaten in their last five encounters.
Predicted Lineups
Goalkeeper: Conde
Defenders: Foyth, Kambwala, Costa, Cardona
Midfielders: Pino, Comesaña, Gueye, Baena
Forwards: Pérez, Barry
Goalkeeper: Garcia
Defenders: El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Romero
Midfielders: Lozano, González; Carreras, Kral, Puado
Forward: Fernández
Match Prediction & Betting Tips
Villarreal has displayed superior form and home advantage, making them the favorites for this encounter. Espanyol’s inconsistency and defensive struggles could make it difficult for them to contain the attacking firepower of their opponents.
Betting Tips:
- Villarreal to Win – Back the home team to take all three points (2/5, Sky Bet)
- Ayoze Pérez to Score Anytime – The in-form forward is a strong pick for a goal (21/10, Bet365)
- Under 3.5 Goals – A tightly contested match is expected (4/9, William Hill)
Injury & Team News
Villarreal: Gerard Moreno, Ilias Akhomach, and Kiko remain sidelined due to injuries.
Espanyol: Fernando Pacheco, José Gragera, and Pablo Ramón will miss this match due to fitness concerns.
Where to Watch
- India: GXR World website
- UK: LaLiga TV, Premier Sports, ITV
- US: ESPN+
- Nigeria: SuperSport
