Valencia will take on Villarreal in La Liga on Saturday night in a match between two clubs who have started the season very differently.
Valencia are the only team in the division to still be on zero points after losing all three of their opening fixtures while Villarreal are currently flying in second place after picking up seven points from their first three league matches.
Pressure is starting to mount on Ruben Baraja in the home dugout and another defeat here could land him in serious trouble.
How the bookies view it: Villarreal go in as favourites
Villarreal won't have often visited the Mestalla as the pre-match favourites but that is what they are this weekend thanks to their brilliant start to the campaign. A win for Villarreal has been priced at 11/8 by Betfred while a Valencia victory has been priced at 2/1. The draw, which would be welcomed by the home team, has been priced at 12/5.
Recent head-to-head: Advantage Villarreal
It isn't only their good form that will give Villarreal plenty of optimism coming into this fixture but also their recent record against Valencia. Out of their last five meetings with Valencia, they have won three, drawn one and lost one.
Valencia do still boast a good record against the Yellow Submarine at the Mestalla, though, which will encourage them. Villarreal's last win at this stadium came back in 2017.
Players to watch: Battle of the widemen
Valencia vs Villarreal is a match that could be decided by which wingers perform best for both clubs. Both clubs are blessed with plenty of talent in these areas so expect the match to be stretched with attacks in transition key.
For the hosts, Diego Lopez is one to watch. The 22-year-old has been their only shining light so far and has tried to make things happen at every opportunity. Although Valencia have lost three La Liga matches so far, Lopez has managed to get on the scoresheet and also provide an assist.
For the visitors, the mercurial Arnaut Danjuma seems to be enjoying one of his hot streaks. The former Bournemouth winger has started the season in impressive form and netted in both of the club's first two league fixtures of the campaign. After blanking last time out, he will be keen to get back on track on Saturday night.
Predicted line-ups
Valencia's early-season woes haven't been helped by injuries already ravaging the squad. For this one, they are without Sergi Canos, Jaume Domenech, Mouctar Diakhaby and Jose Gaya. Villarreal have three absentees of their own in the form of Denis Suarez, Juan Foyth and Alfonso Pedraza.
Valencia: Mamardashvili – Foulquier, Tarrega, Mosquera, Vazquez – Pepelu, Guerra, Rioja – Lopez, Almeida, Duro
Villarreal: Conde – Femenia, Albiol, Costa, Cardona – Pino, Comesana, Parejo, Baena – Barry, Danjuma Barry
Anything else catch the eye?
Villarreal have been one of the most fun teams to watch in La Liga this season with goals very much the order of the day in each match they have played. In total, 14 goals have been scored across their three La Liga matches and there is no reason to believe that approach will change against a fragile Valencia team. Over 2.5 goals to be scored is priced at 8/11 with Betfred.
This La Liga match between Valencia and Villarreal will be played on Aug 31, 2024 and kick off at 20:30. Check below for our tipsters best Valencia vs Villarreal prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
