Valencia vs Villarreal predictions and match preview for Wednesday’s LaLiga fixture. Read on for analysis, team news and predicted lineups as two regional rivals clash at Mestalla.
| Date | Wednesday 3rd May 2023 |
| Kick-Off | 19:30 (CEST) |
| Stadium | Mestalla |
| Competition | LaLiga |
Valencia vs Villarreal Preview
This is always a big game as the two most successful clubs in the Valencian region of Spain meet, however rarely is there quite so much at stake. Valencia are in the thick of a relegation battle while Villarreal are targeting Champions League qualification so a fiercely competitive derby match looks likely here.
Valencia will be hoping that’s the kind of game that develops as it’s hard to fancy them if we get a free-flowing, end-to-end match. Their victories so far under Ruben Baraja have all been in tight games, mostly at home, the most recent of which came in dramatic fashion last week with teenager Javi Guerra scoring a brilliant late winner against Real Valladolid.
With the games coming thick and fast, the relegation picture is changing all the time though and just when Valencia fans might have been forgiven for seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, there was a weekend setback. Ruben Baraja surprised some by leaving the likes of Jose Gaya and Andre Almeida out of his eleven to take on Cadiz in another six pointer at the bottom and despite a Second Half goal from Samuel Lino, the visitors slipped to a 2-1 defeat.
Villarreal meanwhile have been pretty consistent in terms of their selection with Quique Setien’s side hoping to cut the gap to Real Sociedad in the battle for 4th. They’ve had a good week, claiming convincing home wins over Espanyol and Celta Vigo with 7 goals scored in the process, although it’s 5 games without a clean sheet now for the Yellow Submarine, suggesting there will be chances for Los Che in this match.
Raul Albiol has been struggling with injury problems giving Aissa Mandi an extended run in the side at centre-back. Meanwhile at the other end, Gerard Moreno’s absence has created an opportunity for Nicolas Jackson who has shown glimpses of why he attracted Premier League interest in January. It was an early brace from the 21 year old which set Villarreal up for a 3-1 win over Celta Vigo last time out.
Team News & Possible Lineups
Valencia
| INJURED | Andre |
| DOUBTFUL | Kluivert |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Mamardashvili – Ozkacar, Diakhaby, Gabriel – Gaya, Almeida, Nico, Musah, Correia – Lino, Cavani (3-5-2)
Coach: Ruben Baraja
Villarreal
| INJURED | Coquelin, Morales |
| DOUBTFUL | Gerard Moreno, Femenia |
| BANNED |
Possible XI: Reina – Moreno, Torres, Albiol, Foyth – Lo Celso, Parejo, Capoue – Pino, Jackson, Chukwueze (4-3-3)
Coach: Quique Setien
Score Prediction: Valencia 1-1 Villarreal
Villarreal will be the favourites here but Valencia should be the fresher side having rested a number of key men at the weekend during this busy period. They are still in trouble but have been competing well in their home games and they look capable of getting something from this game to aid their push for survival.
PLEASE NOTE – Our LaLiga predictions and previews are not betting tips! No profits are guaranteed if you’re using them to bet on Spanish football. If you are gambling, do so responsibly and never stake more than you can afford to lose. BeGambleAware.
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