Apologies for the late preview here, but the site managers are still getting back to normal (or what passes for it) after their travels!
Villarreal host Guadalajara today in a game that on paper looks like an easy home win, not that Villarreal has had many of those in the last season or two. Our visitors, CD Guadalajara, share a name with the most successful side in Maexican football, but their own history has been much less notable, as they played in the Tercera and regional leagues until 2007. Last year was their first season in the Segunda, and they finished in 16th place.
Villarreal B drew 3-3 with them at the Mini Estadi before winning 2-0 in Guadalajara.
As for this season, last week goalkeeper Toño (not the one who played for Racing, this one sat on the bench at Real Sociedad last season) was torched for five goals by Girona. Guadalajara was almost put out of business in the summer, but, this being Spain, survived to play another season; however, it's clear their budget is quite small and the squad they have is devoid of any real names.
Villarreal come in with this squad (no Bordas, Rossi, Canteros, Toribio):
Keepers: Juan Carlos Sánchez, Mariño.
Defenders: Javi Venta, Musacchio, Mario, Mellberg, Joan Oriol, Jaume Costa, Truyols.
Midfielders: Marcos Senna, Bruno, Cani, Hernán Pérez, Trigueros, Moi Gómez.
Strikers: Uche, Cavenaghi, Pandiani.
The game may be on Marca TV in Spain so streams might be available. If not, try Radio Vila-real or Radio Nou, if they are still going after firing two-thirds of their staff....
Game starts at 2PM EDT.
Allen's Prediction: Villarreal 3-1 Guadalajara
TORNAREM!!!