Thread: Málaga vs. Villarreal

A long-awaited reunion. Almost as if Villarreal waited until its encounter with Málaga and talismanic midfielder Santi Cazorla to start the 2011-12 campaign. And don't forget our fond memories of Chilean manager Manuel Pellegrini.

The Yellow Submarine has righted the ship in La Liga, keeping three consecutive clean sheets in taking seven points from nine. But bigger goals await, including European qualification. It's been three years since we kept four clean sheets in a row, so Borja Valero and company may need a goal or two to earn a result.

Manager Juan Carlos Garrido will be in charge for his hundredth official match. His record: 45-21-33; not bad. Congratulations, Sr. Garrido; now let's win one for the skipper.

My expected XI (4-2-2-2): D. López; Mario, Musacchio, Gonzalo, Oriol; Marchena, Bruno; Pérez, de Guzmán; Borja, Ruben.

The match begins at 3 pm Eastern Time and airs on GolT in Spain. Take it away, Allen. Endavant Villarreal!