Villarreal - Valencia 15-02-2025

Matches with a lot at stake and where both teams are completely dependent on three points are some of the things we like best. And this is one such match. Top against bottom. And we are reasonably convinced that the away team will be several notches too small, and therefore we take the good odds while they are still available.

Villarreal

The home team has scored plenty of goals this year, with 46 goals in 23 games, only Real Madrid and Barcelona have scored more. And although there have been several who have contributed to the good season Villarreal have had, it is former Newcastle player, Ayoze Perez, who has played the main role. With 10 goals, he is the team's top scorer, and he could easily play a decisive role today as well. But both Thierno Barry and Alex Baena will probably also sign up, if they get the chance. With eight and six goals respectively, they have been many who have contributed to what could easily be a very good season for the team from the east coast. But they have been a bit shabby at the back, and with 34 goals behind, it may seem as if this has been a focus area for Marcelino lately. Because with three goals behind in the last five games, they have looked better than earlier in the season.

Villarreal are coming off a fine away win against Las Palmas, where both Perez and Baena were once again on the scoresheet. The win could have been bigger, but they got three points anyway. Especially at home at the Estadio de la Ceramica they have played without inhibitions. 27 goals in 11 games are solid numbers, and when the neighboring club comes to visit they probably won't be content with just getting their opponent down. Here they will probably make sure they don't get up either.

Valencia

The away team is coming off an important win against their table-top rivals, Leganes, but the transition from that to this one could hardly have been greater. And even though those of us who have lived for a few years associate Valencia with anything but relegation, it is still a fact this year.

Los Che have failed to get their game going this year, and they have only managed to perform at the desired level in glimpses, such as when they beat Real Sociedad and when they led against Real Madrid until there was only five minutes left in the game. But they have also lost 7-1 to Barcelona, ​​and it is striking how big the difference is at Valencia home and away. Because they actually still have to win away from home this year.

The season can't end soon enough for the away team, but they have important games to play before they can take a break. And preferably with a renewed contract in La Liga. And even though every game will be a cup final from here on out, we think this particular game will be a bit too tough.

Injuries and suspensions

As for the injury situation at the teams, it seems that Gerard Moreno is out with a foot injury and will have to watch this match from the stands. But the aging striker can probably rest without too much consequence. The home team is also missing Ilyas Akhomach, who is out for the rest of the season. Otherwise, of little importance.

But for the away team, Enzo Barrenechea must serve a suspension after receiving his fifth yellow card last time. In addition, Hugo Duro is doubtful for this match due to illness and Dimitri Foulquier, who plays defensive midfielder, is out with a muscle injury. So Valencia gets on the bus with a weakened team for this match.

Conclusion

We can't understand anything other than that the home team will continue its good scoring form at home, and even though history is consistent with regular matches where both teams have won their share of matches, there will be a class difference this year.

I watched Villarreal's match against Las Palmas, and they impressed me. This is largely thanks to the attackers, but now that they have also managed to tighten up a bit at the back, they are rightly big favorites. Especially considering that Villareal is at home. They won a whopping 5-1 here last time, against Real Valladolid, and that match can be compared to this one. And that is why I end up with the following bet;

Spain at 21:00 Villarreal - Valencia: Villareal win -1.5 goals (2.40)

Alternative games;

Spain at 21:00 Villarreal - Valencia: Villarreal win (1.50)

Spain at 21:00 Villarreal - Valencia: Ayoze Perez scores - anytime (2.05)

 

The analysis is written by guest writer Jarle Tangen. Would you like to try your hand as a writer with us? Read how to proceed here .