:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47009206/GettyImages-182388174.0.jpg)
It’s finally here, and what an epic season I believe it will turn out to be. Villarreal take on Betis, a team that has always been classed as the underdog, but none the less gets the results. Kick off is a typical late Spanish kickoff -- 10:30PM Spanish time on Sunday-- and we are all raring to go.
Despite being accused of being the most positive of all our bloggers I have extremely high hopes for this one. Our squad couldn’t be more different if we tried this season. We have had some very exciting additions giving a lot more rounded out look to the squad. We have sadly seen the likes of Vietto depart but we have truly reinforced the team with a lot of talent ready to kick off the season and compete in three competitions.
Villarreal
With so many additions to the squad everyone will be fighting for a place. It is hard to judge it all from our pre season, as friendly results rarely are useful indications of how we’ll do in the season.
According to our man on the ground Robin, Bakambu looks a tad unfit. This is to be expected after all his travelling to try and find Villarreal to sign the contract!! I am expecting Soldado and Baptistao to start with both looking sharp in the last match. Midfield should be Trigueros and Bruno in the pivote with players fighting for time on the wings. I expect Jonathan dos Santos and Samuel out there but who knows. In the back, Ruiz and Bailly will look to establish a solid partnership this season flanked by Costa and Mario Gaspar. Goalkeeper it is still really open with both keepers impressing; I imagine we will go with the experience on this one.
Real Betis
Betis's main signing of the summer, Rafael van der Vaart, misses through injury, so too does ex-Villarreal man Javi Matilla. Betis should play a 4-4-2 with Ruben Castro and Jorge Molina up front. Those two accounted for 51 goals in the Segunda last season, but are both in their middle 30's. Peruvian international Juan Vargas and Spain u-19 star Dani Ceballos add some spice in midfield.
Prediction
Really excited for this one and looking forward to us adding a few more additions although I struggle to see where they would fit in. Imagine we will look at a defender who can play anywhere and possibly another winger but still no rumours yet. Going for a solid 2-1 on this one with surprise goals from midfield.