Prediction and odds for the game: Villarreal (7/4) v Real Madrid (13/10)
We are backing the draw at odds of 29/10
When: Saturday, 21st November 2020, Kick-off 15:15
Where: The Estadio de la Ceramica
On Saturday afternoon, in-form Villarreal host reigning champions Real Madrid at the Estadio de la Ceramica, in what could prove to be a highly intriguing La Liga clash.
Villarreal
The home team have started the season in superb form under former Sevilla boss Unai Emery. The Yellow Submarine currently sit second place in the table, trailing league leaders Real Sociedad by just two points. They are also two points above their fourth-place visitors in the Spanish top-flight table.
A 3-1 win at Getafe before the international break means that Villarreal are unbeaten in their previous six league matches, having recorded four wins in the process. The win in the capital was their fourth straight win in all competitions.
The Yellow Submarine are unbeaten in six league games, having recorded five wins, including in their last four league outings on home soil. In fact, Villarreal have failed to win in just one of their home matches in La Liga and the Europa League this season.
Deadly forward duo Paco Alcacer and Gerard Moreno have developed a superb understanding. The pair could profit from a Real Madrid team potentially missing star centre-back Sergio Ramos.
Real Madrid
Los Blancos suffered a surprise 4-1 defeat at Valencia in their last La Liga outing. The defeat may have been a surprise, but it’s not the first time Zinedine Zidane’s team have slipped up of late, as they also suffered a defeat against Cadiz last month. The results mean that Real Madrid have won two and lost two of their last four outings in the Spanish top-flight.
The reigning Spanish champions have struggled defensively of late, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last four La Liga matches. Los Blancos built their title triumph last season on solid defensive foundations. The aforementioned Sergio Ramos is a fitness doubt after picking up an injury on international duty. The 34-year-old’s absence would be a big blow, especially coming up against such a dangerous attacking team.
The defeat at Valencia last time out ended a nine-game unbeaten run on their travels in La Liga. The game at Mestalla also ended a prolific run of scoring away from home in the Spanish top-flight, as they had scored at least two goals in their previous three matches away from the capital.
Conclusion
This clash will be a difficult one for the reigning Spanish champions, with Villarreal in top form. We are backing the Yellow Submarine to avoid defeat, but not quite get the better of the champions. The other recommendation we are making is Villarreal striker Paco Alcacer to be an anytime goalscorer, as the former Barcelona star has scored three goals in his last four appearances in all competitions.
Verdict: We are backing the draw at odds of 29/10 and/or Paco Alcacer to score at anytime at odds of 8/5. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Can Villarreal get the better of reigning champions Real Madrid?
