It's a big match, says Tomás Pina, and no one conveys importance quite like him. Bruno Soriano agrees, and when the captain speaks, everyone listens. International Fan Day at El Madrigal -- not quite like Real Oviedo, but it takes time. A reasonable Saturday afternoon kickoff for a local derbi. All the ingredients for a good match, despite Villarreal's recent struggles.
Marcelino García Toral's squad for the match (one player will drop out):
Keepers: J. Carlos, Asenjo.
Defenders: Mario, J. Costa, Jokic, Pantic, Gabriel, Musacchio.
Midfielders: Bruno, Manu, Pina, Cani, J. Román, Óliver, Aquino.
Strikers: Jony, Perbet, Gio, Nahuel.
Dorado, Íñiguez, Moi, and Uche are sidelined with injuries. Musacchio should be fully fit, and Gio is still recovering from a knock -- he has been ruled out of a full 90 minutes. A fond welcome back to Óliver after missing the Atlético Madrid match pursuant to the terms of his loan. And Nahuel finds a place, at least in the squad of 19.
My expected Villarreal XI (4-2-2-2): Asenjo; Mario, Gabriel, Musacchio, Jokic; Pina, Bruno; Cani, Óliver; Gio, Perbet.
My expected Villarreal bench: J. Carlos; J. Costa, Pantic; Aquino, J. Román, Manu; Jony, Nahuel.
The match begins at 12 pm Eastern Time and airs on BeIN Sports en Español. Allen and I are traveling, and Ravi is busy with Seattle Sounders duties, but we'll be following along here and on Twitter. Join us @VillarrealUSA for more details. Endavant Villarreal!
Marcelino García Toral's squad for the match (one player will drop out):
Keepers: J. Carlos, Asenjo.
Defenders: Mario, J. Costa, Jokic, Pantic, Gabriel, Musacchio.
Midfielders: Bruno, Manu, Pina, Cani, J. Román, Óliver, Aquino.
Strikers: Jony, Perbet, Gio, Nahuel.
Dorado, Íñiguez, Moi, and Uche are sidelined with injuries. Musacchio should be fully fit, and Gio is still recovering from a knock -- he has been ruled out of a full 90 minutes. A fond welcome back to Óliver after missing the Atlético Madrid match pursuant to the terms of his loan. And Nahuel finds a place, at least in the squad of 19.
My expected Villarreal XI (4-2-2-2): Asenjo; Mario, Gabriel, Musacchio, Jokic; Pina, Bruno; Cani, Óliver; Gio, Perbet.
My expected Villarreal bench: J. Carlos; J. Costa, Pantic; Aquino, J. Román, Manu; Jony, Nahuel.
The match begins at 12 pm Eastern Time and airs on BeIN Sports en Español. Allen and I are traveling, and Ravi is busy with Seattle Sounders duties, but we'll be following along here and on Twitter. Join us @VillarrealUSA for more details. Endavant Villarreal!