Valencia-Villarreal PREVIEW

Team news is scant for the match tomorrow—we do know Gabriel is out for Valencia, and Funes Mori for Villarreal, because of suspensions. Guedes and Kongobia are out injured for Valencia, and Gamiero and Coquelin are doubtful.

The Submarine will likely go with the standard back four of Mario—Alvaro—Ruiz—Jaume Costa, probably Iborra and Trigueros or Caseres, then Santi-Fornals-Chukwueze behind the lone striker. And will that striker be Toko Ekambi, or Gerard, or Bacca? Odds are Gerard, but there seems to be some feeling maybe Toko E will get the nod instead. Would be about time!

Dani Parejo is the midfield engine for Valencia, and they’ve been getting good play from their back four, especially Garay and Gayá. Valencia have been good at creating chances, just not finishing them. The same can be said of Villarreal, for sure, but Villarreal have allowed eight more goals than Los Che while scoring only two more.

Prediction: Two wins in four have moved Valencia up the table and eased pressure on Marcelino, while Villarreal continue to draw instead of win. The difference in the two teams doesn’t seem to be as much as what the league table shows. So, will Valencia win, and keep Villarreal down in the dumps, or can the Submarine turn the tables? Logically, I suppose, a 1-1 draw would be the logical result.

I’ll be totally illogical and go for a 2-1 Villarreal win, just because I live in hope. Still.