Preview: Villarreal - Real Sociedad

@ It’s odd given that Betis are leading the league and this should be an attractive matchup, but I have seen no evidence that the match will be televised anywhere.

See my comment at 21.2 on previous post. Match is on local RTVV so possibly some coverage will be available.

I’ve updated the preview to include the squad, which does have Marchena in it, though I’d be surprised if he plays. I expect the team to be
 Lopez; Cicinho, Mussachio, Gonzalo, Capdevila; Borja, Bruno, Matilla, Cani; Rossi and Ruben. Though Mario could start instead of Cicinho and Santi could play instead of Matilla, moving Borja into the middle if Santi is ready to go.

    There is a story that Udinese are interested in acquiring Matilla in some deal where they would then send him to Granada for the remainder of the year. I hope not; Matilla seems to have some promise and I’d hate to lose him at this point for what would doubtless be not that much money.
    Also apparently part of our offer for Ander involves a player or two (Cristobal maybe?) but chances are Athletic will get him since they are offering more cash and that is what Zaragoza needs at this point

B team match: Kenez is correct that RTVV’s second channel is showing the game; unfortunately you can’t directly access that channel through the RTVV website, but as the match approaches check the usual places for a stream-hopefully something will show up

Cristóbal only made the squad in previous matches to get us to 18 players. He does not figure in the plans this year, unlike what I predicted in the season preview.

There’s absolutely no need for 8 defenders, so this must be a form of punishment for Jeffrey. I’m worried that this will turn out like L.A. Valencia; either he should go on loan or start playing real minutes. He certainly was not our worst player on Tuesday.

3 min VILLARREAL B 1-0 BETIS
Falque pen

Team:
Mariño,
Mano, Truyols, Kiko, Costa;
Castellani, Marcos Gullón, Natxo Insa, Gerard, Iago Falqué;
Hernán Pérez.

if anyone has been able to find a working stream let me know

found one on rojadirecta—VCFB nearly make it 2 from Boras, great save on follow up

Kiko back to Bordas, puts it wide (31’)

Y Montero is in the DOG House !

1) He threw a trantrum vs. Osasuna
2) -> Cicinho can cover as RM
3) He needs to expand his game to play @ this high level

4) Montero really didn’t impress @ all vs. Sevilla

442
Diego López.
Mario, Gonzalo, Musacchio, Capdevila
Cicinho, Borja Valero, Bruno, Cani
Marco Ruben, Rossi

39’ off the far post for us (Falque I think?)….nice counterattack

fun game—we nearly gave up a cheapie through a turnover but Molina’s header wide

Half time VILLARREAL B 1-0 BETIS
1-0 Iago Falqué (3’)

Betis have had possession but Villarreal B have had some good chances to add to their lead.

saw only last 25 mins of 1st half, but from what I saw Betis controlled possession (70-30) but VCFB looked dangerous, esp. Falque, Perez (he’s the one that hit the post, and produced a good save from betis keeper in last minute of 1st half) and Gerard Bordas. When we have been able to get the ball in the Betis half those three have often combined well and looked dangerous.
   I can see why Betis are leading the Segunda—they are strong, their finishing has been a bit wayward so far though, esp. Molina. Let’s hope it continues. I don’t think one goal will be enough to win this.

1-0 HT. We looked very good in the few minutes I caught at the end of the first half. Lots of pressure high up the pitch, and Betis look a bit tired from their meaningless Copa exertions. I guess they do have a cushion at the top…

half an hour to go, entertaining stuff. Our center defenders (Truyols and Kiko) have been doing well

Betis starting to put pressure on, also their experience is beginning to tell in being awarded fouls. They score form FK when Marino fumbles it, but it’s waved off for offside (correctly so I think) 72’

Perez, then Bordas miss opportunities through not controlling well with their first touch…then Betis has dangerous FK at other end but put it over

TO stop leaking Goals, the defense needs to play tighter and
Villarreal need this Lopez back

See ->
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/07/29/article-1298824-0A9F53B4000005DC-655_468x286.jpg

See ->
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/07/29/article-1298824-0A9F53B4000005DC-655_468x286.jpg

Hint to Lopez, please stop being flat footed on crosses……………….

1-0 FT. Betis huffed and puffed, but they could not blow our house down. Statement win for Javi Gracia as a manager. Congratulations, boys.

nice win for the B team!! Well done. Betis did look tired as the game went on, 2nd half was more 50-50 possession. I thought the center of defense (Truyols/Kiko) did well, Mano also. And of course we did not have Nicki Bille today either.
   Thought Castro was not that great for Betis, really only Pereira looked dangerous

Great result for the B team, Barca B lost today so the two B teams finish the halway point level on 31 points.

valencia 1 – 2 malaga at the half … maybe our old friend el ingeniero will help us out a bit in the fight for third place. big-time buy dimichelis didn’t help, though – he was sent off in the 15th minute

it is being reported on twitter that Sporting asked if they could take Montero on loan, but that request was denied. It is still possible Jozy will be loaned there though