The Matchday 26 La Liga encounter between Villarreal and Espanyol will be held on March 3 at the Estadio de la Cerámica. Villarreal vs. Espanyol: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Villarreal
The Valencian side continues to hold onto the fifth spot in the standings, trailing the top four by four points. The team has managed to maintain such a high position thanks to an unbeaten run in their last six La Liga matches, securing 4 wins and 2 draws. Notably, in their previous league game, the club defeated Rayo Vallecano away with a score of 1-0.
- No more than three goals have been scored in 8 of Villarreal's last 11 La Liga games.
- Both teams have scored in 7 of the last 10 league matches involving the Valencians.
- The club has not conceded in the first half in their last seven La Liga encounters.
Predicted lineup for Villarreal (4-4-2)
Diego Conde – Sergi Cardona, Logan Costa, Willy Kambwala, Juan Foyth – Yeremi Pino, Santi Comesaña, Alex Baena, Pape Gueye – Ayoze Perez, Thierno Barry.
Midfielder Ilias Akhomach and forward Gerard Moreno will miss the match due to injuries.
Espanyol
The Catalans have performed well in their last two La Liga matches. First, they drew 1-1 at home against Athletic, and then they defeated Alaves away with a 1-0 scoreline. It is also worth noting that in their last seven league games, Manolo Gonzalez's side has suffered only one defeat (3 wins and 3 draws). Thanks to this run, the club has climbed to 15th place, four points clear of the relegation zone.
- No more than two goals have been scored in 9 of Espanyol's last 11 La Liga encounters.
- The club has not conceded more than one goal in 10 of their last 11 league games.
- The Catalans have won only one first half in their last 14 away La Liga matches (7 draws and 6 losses).
Predicted lineup for Espanyol (4-4-2)
Joan Garcia – Omar El Hilali, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero, Marash Kumbulla – Jofre Carreras, Urko Gonzalez, Alex Kral, Pol Lozano – Javi Puado, Roberto Fernandez Jaen.
Referee
Jose Luis Munuera Montero (Spain)
Matches – 12 (La Liga, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 61;
Average yellow cards per match – 5.1;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 24;
Penalties – 42%.
Villarreal vs. Espanyol: Match Prediction
Both opponents are in good form and have improved their standings. However, the Valencians are expected to claim all three points, as they are much higher in the table and have suffered only five defeats in La Liga 2024/25 (compared to Espanyol's 12). Additionally, playing at home will be a key factor for Villarreal, who have only lost to Real Betis and Barcelona in their last 15 home La Liga matches (7 wins and 6 draws).
Meanwhile, before defeating Alaves, Espanyol had gone 12 away La Liga matches without a win (3 draws and 9 losses). The team has also failed to score more than one goal in their last 12 consecutive away league games. Furthermore, the Valencians have defeated this opponent in their last four league meetings. Therefore, I favor the prediction: Villarreal with a handicap (-1)
