Villarreal vs Anderlecht
UEFA Europa League Conference, KO: 20:00 Mar 16, 2023, Estadio de la Ceramica
After sharing the spoils in the first meeting, Villarreal host Anderlecht in their Europa Conference League second leg clash. The Spaniards have maintained a solid home record throughout the competition and should have the upper hand on Thursday.
Villarreal will be looking to complete the job against Anderlecht on Thursday after playing out 1-1 draw in the first leg. Manuel Trigueros struck first midway through the opening half and despite conceding after the restart, they held on for the draw.
The Spaniards have generally shown some good form lately with two wins and as many draws in their last four matches across all competitions. The draws have come in their last two matches having also played out a 1-1 scoreline in a La Liga fixture with Real Betis, following the clash at Anderlecht.
Villarreal will be relying on a solid home record in the Conference League as they head into Thursday’s clash. Quique Setien’s men have claimed three wins and a draw in their four matches in the competition, scoring 15 goals in that run.
Anderlecht will be feeling hopeful ahead of the second leg after showing good character to fight back from a goal down in the first meeting. Anders Dreyer’s second half effort gave them something to build on in Spain.
Like their hosts, Anderlecht have shown some good form lately, suffering just one defeat in their last six matches across all competitions. They travel to Spain off the back of a 2-0 victory over Cercle Brugge in a First Division fixture last Sunday.
A slight problem for Anderlecht is that they have found things difficult on their recent travels with two defeats and a draw in their last three away matches. Brian Riemer’s men have also won just once in their last three away matches in the Conference League.
How the bookies view it
Villarreal are considered overwhelming favourites among the bookies with a home win priced at 9/20 with bet365. A victory for Anderlecht is valued at 11/2 with bet365 while Unibet is offering odds of 13/4 for a draw.
Head to head
Last week’s first leg is the only previous meeting between Villarreal and Anderlecht.
Players to watch
Jose Luis Morales found the net three times in the Europa League this season and could be the one to watch for Villarreal. Bet365 has the forward at odds of 13/10 to get on the score sheet on Thursday.
Islam Slimani has impressed since joining Anderlecht in January and could be worth keeping an eye on. The Algerian striker has scored in his last four matches across all competitions and is priced at 4/1 by bet365 to find the net on Thursday.
Anything else catch the eye?
Villarreal and Anderlecht often easily find their way to goal and both teams can be backed to score at 10/11 with bet365. The Spaniards have seen over 3.5 goals in all four of their home matches in the Conference League and a repeat could be on the cards at 21/10 with Unibet, who are also offering 10/13 for over 2.5 goals.
With Villarreal priced at minimal odds for a straight victory, a win and over 2.5 goals could be considered at 5/4 with Paddy Power.
This UEFA Europa League Conference match between Villarreal and Anderlecht will be played on Mar 16, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Villarreal vs Anderlecht prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
