Villarreal are still searching for their first win in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League as they host Copenhagen on Wednesday. The Spaniards will be counting on their recent home record, while the visitors have struggled on their recent travels.
It has been a difficult league phase campaign for Villarreal, who are winless after five matches. Marcelino’s men suffered a 4-0 defeat at Borussia Dortmund in their previous fixture and are currently well off the playoff places.
The task for Villarreal will be to transmit their domestic form into the Champions League, having won their last six La Liga matches. They are also unbeaten in one of their last 10 home fixtures across all competitions, earning a 2-0 victory over Getafe in a La Liga clash last weekend.
Copenhagen are only slightly better than the hosts, having picked up just one win in their five league phase matches. That win came in their last fixture as they earned a 3-2 home victory over Kairat Almaty.
The Danes’ overall form has looked patchy lately, with two defeats in their last three matches, losing 2-0 at home to Sonderjyske last weekend. Jacob Neestrup's team have also found things difficult on their travels, losing three of their last four away matches.
How the bookies view it: Bookies backing Villarreal
Villarreal has been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 1/2 by William Hill to claim the win. A victory for Copenhagen is valued at 21/4 by bet365, while a draw is set at odds of 7/2 by Paddy Power.
Head to head: First ever meeting
There are no previous matches between Villarreal and Copenhagen.
Players to watch: Eyes on Moleiro
Alberto Moleiro carries a goal threat from midfield and has scored six goals in all competitions this season. He could be the one for Villarreal (Alberto Moleiro anytime goalscorer – priced at 8/5 by Betfred).
Copenhagen have also shown some attacking quality and will look to Jordan Larsson, who was on target against Kairat Almaty. The striker has five goals in all competitions this season and could be worth keeping an eye on (Jordan Larsson anytime goalscorer – valued at 7/2 by bet365).
Probable line-ups:
Villarreal will be without Thomas Partey and Gerard Moreno, who are both injured, while Juan Foyth is suspended. Georges Mikautadze should feature in attack while Renato Veiga is set to continue at the back.
Magnus Mattsson, Rodrigo Huescas and Oliver Hojer are all ruled out with injury for Copenhagen, while Lukas Lerager is suspended. Larsson should feature in midfield, while Mohamed Elyounoussi should return after serving a suspension last weekend.
Villarreal: Navarro, Marin, Veiga, Cardona, Buchanan, Parejo, Comesana, Moleiro, Perez, Mikautadze.
Copenhagen: Kotarski, Suzuki, Hatzidiakos, Gabriel Pereira, Lopez, Larsson, Madsen, Delaney, Achouri, Elyounoussi, Cornelius.
Anything else catch the eye?.
Both teams have scored in three of Villarreal's last five matches (BTTS YES – offered at 3/4 by bet365). Six of their last nine matches have also produced over 2.5 goals – available at 8/13 on William Hill.
Villarreal have scored in both halves in five of their last six home matches (Villarreal to score in both halves – set at odds of 5/4 on William Hill). They have also earned a win and over 2.5 goals in two of their last three home matches (Villarreal win & over 2.5 goals – valued at 21/20 by Ladbrokes).
Think both teams will find the net? Our BTTS Masterclass explains how to spot the fixtures where goals are a given.
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