Villarreal aims for consecutive victories in Spain’s premier league during their home game against Cadiz, who are facing relegation, this Sunday afternoon.
The Yellow Submarine is coming into this game with a 5-3 win at Barcelona, whereas Cadiz managed a draw without goals against Athletic Bilbao in their last match.
Match preview
It’s clear that the 2023-24 La Liga season has been underwhelming for Villarreal, as they find themselves in 14th place with 23 points.
They are 24 points behind the top four and 13 points away from the top six, indicating a significant challenge to move into a position for European competition in Spain’s highest league.
However, Villarreal has made it to the Europa League knockout stages, presenting their best opportunity for European play next season. They hope their recent victory over Barcelona will help them gain momentum in La Liga.
Marcelino’s team celebrated a 5-3 win against the champions in their previous match and is now looking for their seventh La Liga victory of the season.
Despite losing 3-1 to Cadiz earlier this season, Villarreal won 2-0 in the same matchup last year.
Mauricio Pellegrino had a promising start as Cadiz’s head coach with a goalless draw against Athletic Bilbao.
Pellegrino will be focusing on victories in the upcoming weeks, but drawing with a Champions League contender is seen as a positive step. Despite being in the relegation zone, Cadiz is only a point behind Celta Vigo.
Cadiz has scored the fewest goals in the league this season, with just 15 goals. However, they’ve recently loaned talented forward Juanmi from Real Betis, hoping he’ll make an impact.
Cadiz has struggled away from home, while Villarreal hasn’t been strong at home, making this an interesting matchup.
Ironically, Cadiz’s last league win was against Villarreal in September.
Villarreal La Liga form:
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Villarreal form (all competitions):
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Cadiz La Liga form:
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Team News
Villarreal might include new signee Bertrand Traore in this game after his transfer from Aston Villa.
However, Villarreal is missing several key players due to injuries, including Alfonso Pedraza and Dani Parejo.
Goncalo Guedes might start after a strong performance against Barcelona but could remain a substitute due to the current form of other players.
Cadiz will be without Fede San Emeterio and others due to injuries. Fali and Ruben Alcaraz are suspended after receiving yellow cards in their last match.
Newcomer Juanmi could play after joining from Real Betis, along with Aiham Ousou who recently signed from Slavia Prague.
Villarreal possible starting lineup:
Jorgensen;
Femenia, Bailly, Cuenca, A Moreno;
Akhomach, Comesana, Coquelin, Baena;
G Moreno, Sorloth
Cadiz possible starting lineup:
Ledesma;
Carcelen, Mari, Chust, Pires;
Alejo, Alex, Escalante, Navarro;
Sobrino, Ramos
Prediction: Villarreal 1-0 Cadiz
Given Cadiz’s solid defense despite their league position, we don’t expect an easy win for Villarreal. However, the hosts’ recent win over Barcelona should give them a boost, and we predict they will secure another crucial three points on Sunday.