As the Spanish La Liga season comes to an end with the last game of the league left to be played, both the teams can reflect on their performances. For Valencia, this has to be one of the most disappointing seasons in their recent history, while for Villareal, this has been a good season because as per the current standings, they have a Europa league group spot assured. So to consolidate this position, the Yellow Submarines would like to grab all three points against Valencia this Sunday.
VALENCIA CF vs. VILLAREAL CF
3-Way: 1: VALENCIA CF +215; X: +273 Draw; 2: VILLAREAL CF +140
Spread +0.5: VALENCIA CF -141; VILLAREAL CF +135
Total +2.5: Over -133; Under +129
VALENCIA CF
On comparisons to last few seasons in the Spanish La Liga, this has been a dismal one, as they are on their way to only have a mid-table finish at most. For a club of Valencia’s stature in Spain, only a top half finish can be considered satisfactory. As the season is almost finished, it is now important for the club to reflect and improve the areas that have been the reason for their poor season.
Having earned 46 points, Valencia are on 12th position in the Spanish La Liga right now. 28 of those points earned have been at home. The highest they can manage to finish now is 11th position. Their current league record over the last five games has been a mixed one; 2-0-3. Their last match was a win at Espanyol by 1:0. This win was preceded by a 4:1 thrashing of Osasuna at home. Los Che fans will be hoping to get another victory in their last match of the season, so as to set a more positive mood to end their season and forget the troubles that their team has had this season.
Even with a dismal season, Valencia have managed to score goals most of the times. They have scored 55 goals in the league, with 31 of those coming at home games. But when it comes to the backline, Los Che have been pretty shaky. They have conceded a massive 62 goals, with 29 of those goals being conceded in front of the home fans. They have also kept 7 clean sheets in the league.
On Loan youngster Munir El Haddadi and Santiago Lorenzo are both tied as top scorers for Valencia in the league, with 6 goals each and 3 and 2 assists respectively. However, their talisman has been in the form of Dani Parejo, who has the highest assists in the team, with 7 to his name. He has also managed to score 5 goals along with it.
Los Che do not have many injury concerns. Like most of the other teams, they do not have any long term absentee. Defender Ezequiel Garay is doubt for the match with a Muscle injury, while Fabian Orellana is suspended for the match. Apart from these two, the manager won’t have any injury issues.
VILLAREAL CF
This season has been a very productive season for the Yellow Submarines, as they are on course to have a Europa league spot ready for them, and it will be mathematically guaranteed if they win the final fixture of the season. They have been very solid at the back, while having a simple and structured playing style that has helped them score as and when required to get sufficient points for a top 6 finish. And against a Valencia side who have had a disappointing season, they will fully fancy their chances of getting the three points.
Sitting at 5th position in the Spanish La Liga, Villareal has earned 64 points, with 37 of those being earned in front of the home fans. They are in a decent run of form, with their league record over the last five matches being 3-1-1. However, they have dropped points in both of their last two league games. Two weeks ago, they were thrashed at Camp Nou against Barca by 4:1, which was followed by a drab 1:1 draw against Deportivo at home. The fans will be hoping to see a return to winning ways.
They have been a decent attacking team. Not a rampaging bunch of scorers, but getting the goals as and when needed. They have scored 53 goals in the Spanish La Liga, with 27 of those coming in away matches. The most impressive stat about this Villareal teamis their defensive solidity, as they have conceded just 32 goals in the league, hence having the second best defense in the league this season. 14 of those have come in away matches. The Backline has managed to keep a total of 16 clean sheets which is the most in the league apart from Atletico Madrid.
Cedrick Bukambu has led the line well this season, with 11 goals to his name, as well as a solitary assist. Following him, is striker Roberto Soriano, who has 9 goals to his name, along with 5 assists. He is also the highest assist maker in the team. Goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo has 11 clean sheets under him this campaign in the league. Only 3 keepers have more clean sheets this season.
There are a couple of injury doubts for the team, apart from Sergio Asenjo missing the match as he was out since February due to a Cruciate Ligament Injury. Attacker Denis Cheryshev, who has a hip injury, and Victor Ruiz Tore, who is having a sprained ankle are possible doubts for the match. The manager will have to consider their situations before he makes the squad finalization for the game.
VALENCIA CF vs. VILLAREAL CF – Match Prediction:
Two teams with talented individuals who have the ability to turn the game on its head will go head to head this Sunday. It is difficult to a decide the winner just by considering the stats.
However, one must admit that even though Valencia has seen an upturn in form in the second half of the season, Villareal has been a much more organized and effective team. Because of this, I feel it will be a close match, will the Yellow Submarines taking the win. So, my prediction will be an away win for Villareal, with both sides scoring.
MY PICK: VILLAREAL CF (+140)
Additional Pick: Both teams to score YES (-149)
