A not so different match from the Getafe one in its importance. Villarreal sits at 5th, six points ahead of Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad, both tied at points, with Real Sociedad right now 8th, but the situation could change at any given minute as while I’m writing this, Valencia is playing at Leganés (Leganés winning 1-0) with Valencia 9th seven points behind Villarreal.

Villarreal is arriving on a great form since the restart of the season, with all wins with the sole exception of the game against Barcelona. The three points would solidify the Europa League for next season.

Our opponents

Real Sociedad is, perhaps, one of the most attractive teams to watch them play. Deploying a 4-3-3 where their youngster Oyarzabal shines with Portu and Willian Jose being threats, assisted from the midfield through Odegaard and Mikel Merino. A great work done by Imanol Alguacil (bit of trivia, played for Villarreal from 1998 to 2000). Guevara, Illaramendi, Januzaj, Luca Sangalli and Aritz Arambarri will miss the match for different injuries

Real Sociedad has a tendency to pressure from the attacking 3rd when not in possesion and trying to let few spaces as possible thanks to good positioning when in defense. Their attacking can combine both speed and positional attack.

Villarreal

Could be the moment for Fer Niño to step up? Gerard is suspended, Bacca is out injured and Alcácer is a doubt for the match. Samu could play as striker, but I think where he can be a more damaging player is as a side midfielder. Main problem they have there is he won’t defend. A 4-2-3-1 could be an interesting choice considering the lack of forwards for this match

I’m going to go with this XI

Predictions

Hard match, but I think Villarreal will end up with the three points