Probable Lineups

4-3-3
4-2-3-1
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Probable Lineups Statistical Comparison

(62) 40 Goals 24 (38)
(51) 28 Assists 23 (28)
(6.6) 6.9 Average Ratings 6.7 (6.4)
30.5 Average Age 30.8
182.8 Average Height (cm) 177.7
(0.8) 1 Shots pg 0.9 (0.8)
(53%) 56% Aerial Duel Success 49% (50%)
(0.9) 0.8 Dribbles pg 0.6 (0.8)
(1.2) 0.9 Tackles pg 1 (1.3)
* Values in brackets (x) are overall player statistics in LaLiga.

Missing Players

Villarreal
Rayo Vallecano
Player Reason Status Rating
Francis Coquelin Doubtful 6.64
Sèrge Aurier Doubtful 6.53
Player Reason Status Rating
Martín Merquelanz Out 6.58
Santi Comesaña Out 6.86
Radamel Falcao Doubtful 6.44
Pathé Ciss Doubtful 6.46
Randy Nteka Doubtful 6.4

Team News

Villarreal
Rayo Vallecano
  • Villarreal have just two doubts, with Serge Aurier and Francis Coquelin carrying knocks.
  • Gerard Moreno is now back and should start his second successive game here.
  • Manu Trigueros and Yeremy Pino are likely to come back in here after they dropped out with a change of system last time out.
  • That system was likely to be specific to Atalanta and not one Villarreal use in the league.
  • Just one injury concern for Rayo, who are without long-term absentee Martin Merquelanz.
  • Santiago Comesana has returned from suspension, while Radamel Falcao, Pathe Ciss and Randy Nteka have all recovered from recent injuries.
  • Given Falcao is only now returning from a couple of weeks out, Sergi Guardiola is likely to continue to lead the line.

Prediction

  • Villarreal achieved a big result in the Champions League during the week to progress to the last-16 of the competition for only the third time in their history.
  • A brace from Arnaut Danjuma and an Etienne Capoue goal saw Villarreal win 3-2 against Atalanta in Bergamo, and that was a much-needed lift for Unai Emery's men amid a difficult season.
  • Domestically, Villarreal have won just three of their 15 games so far in La Liga, but they have an opportunity to give their season a different outlook with a win here. They are currently 11 points behind opponents Rayo, who occupy the last Europa League spot. A win here could put them within eight points with a game in hand.
  • Last time out in La Liga, Villarreal lost 1-0 to Sevilla and they are now three without a win in the league.
  • Meanwhile, Rayo are in excellent form, sitting in sixth place and still defying the odds having only achieved promotion back to the top flight last season.
  • Rayo continued their excellent home for last time out with a 1-0 win over Espanyol, and they now have the best home record in the league with seven wins from eight games.
  • In contrast, they are near the bottom of the away table, winning just one of their eight games on the road, and they might well leave empty-handed here given their away troubles and Villarreal's need to get their season back on track.
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User Predictions

Comments (3)

 
  • Rayo have been the surprise of the league this year and could jump to 4th in La Liga if a few results go their way here. Emery spoke about the importance of villareal carrying over their success to league play but I'm a bit skeptical even with the struggles Rayo have had on the road this year. Rayo have 5 losses on the road but 4 of those losses came to the teams at the very top of the league, Sociedad, Real, Betis and Sevilla, games you wouldn't expect them to win. The problem is this match falls in that category as well but Villareal just haven't played as well as the teams mentioned above. I would like to see Falcao back even though Sergi hasn't been terrible, I think a draw is the best result Villareal are able to come away with here only because the match midweek was postponed and they really had to leave it all on the pitch. Rayo have had rest and should be looking for a positive result.

  • 2-1