Villarreal vs Valencia predictions and match preview for Sunday’s game in LaLiga. Read on for the head-to-head, team news, betting tips and predicted lineups ahead of this local derby in the Valencian Community.
- DATE: Sunday 18th October 2020
- KICK-OFF: 16:00 (local time)
- VENUE: Estadio Ceramica
- COMPETITION: LaLiga Santander
Villarreal vs Valencia Preview
This is perhaps the pick of the Sunday games in LaLiga and it promises to be a spicy affair as these two Valencian rivals clash. Much of the focus will be on Dani Parejo and to a lesser extent Francis Coquelin, who both moved from Valencia to Villarreal this summer in what at the time appeared a bargain deal for the Yellow Submarine.
A reported combined sum of less than 10 million Euros still represents good value, although Valencia were by no means the only club to look to slash their wage bill this summer by letting players leave on cut price deals or even free transfers. Parejo hasn’t made a huge impression yet for Villarreal but you sense he will be hungry to put on a show against his former employers.
Unai Emery will be content with his side’s return of 8 points from 5 games so far when you consider they’ve already travelled to both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. They put in a much more assured defensive display at the Wanda Metropolitano last time out and will certainly be the clear favourites to win this game.
The transfer window shut on Valencia with no new signings made much to the annoyance of recently appointed boss Javi Gracia. There was talk that he might walk away over the international break but he remains for now, although he may soon have to contend with the departure of another key player with Geoffrey Kondogbia keen to join Atletico Madrid who are able to make an emergency signing following the deadline day departure of Thomas Partey.
On the pitch, it has been a bit of a mixed bag from Valencia so far this term. They briefly topped the table after a surprise win at Real Sociedad on matchday 4 but were well beaten by Real Betis who won 2-0 at the Mestalla last time out.
Head to Head
- Last 6 Competitive Meetings: 4 Valencia Wins, 1 Villarreal Win, 1 Draw.
- Both meetings last term produced home wins with Villarreal winning 2-0 in this fixture in June.
- Valencia had won on 2 of their previous 4 trips to the Ceramica, losing only once.
- Los Che were 2-1 winners when the sides met in a pre-season friendly in August.
Team News
Key forward Gerard Moreno is sidelined through injury for Villarreal. Pervis Estupinan is also out while Francis Coquelin is a doubt to face his old club.
Valencia are boosted by the return of Gabriel Paulista, who is comfortably their most convincing central defensive option. Geoffrey Kondogbia is an injury doubt while Carlos Soler may make his first start of the campaign.
Predicted Villarreal Starting Lineup:
Asenjo – Pedraza, Albiol, Torres, Mario – Parejo, Iborra, Trigueros – Gomez, Alcacer, Chukwueze (4-3-3)
Predicted Valencia Starting Lineup:
Domenech – Gaya, Diakhaby, Gabriel, Correia – Kondogbia, Wass – Guedes, Kang-In, Soler – Gomez (4-4-2)
Villarreal vs Valencia Predictions
Score Prediction: Villarreal 1-1 Valencia
There is still some quality in this Valencia side despite the sea of departures but this clearly isn’t a happy camp right now with players, fans and management alike all seemingly furious at the owners and the way the club is being run. They did still perform well in their most recent road game though and the return of Gabriel Paulista should improve them defensively here. With Villarreal missing their biggest goal threat Gerard Moreno, this may end up all square.
LaLiga Betting Tips (18+)
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