Real Madrid are undefeated in their last 24 matches (LaLiga). Villarreal have drawn their last 3 away matches (LaLiga). Real Madrid are undefeated in 19 of their last 20 home matches against Villarreal in all competitions. Villarreal have been drawing at both half time and full time in their last 3 away matches (LaLiga). Real Madrid have scored at least 2 goals in 8 of their last 9 home matches (LaLiga). There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 6 of Real Madrid's last 7 games (LaLiga). Real Madrid have seen over 2.5 goals in 6 of their last 7 matches against Villarreal in all competitions. Real Madrid have scored at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 7 matches against Villarreal in all competitions.
Real Madrid are in stunning form, winning five on the bounce coming into this one, including a 6-1 thrashing of Mallorca at home during the week. Karim Benzema scored twice again in that one, though it was Marco Asensio who was the star of the show with a hat-trick. Only the former is likely to keep his place for this one, though, and this could be Real Madrid's strongest test yet in La Liga as they look to remain at the top of the tree. Villarreal haven't particularly impressed this term, but while they have struggled to win games, they are very hard to beat, proven by the six straight draws they started the season with, including an away trip to champions Atletico Madrid. The Yellow Submarine did end their run of draws last time out, however, with a comfortable home win over Valencia region rivals Elche, winning 4-1 thanks to goals from Yeremy Pino, Manu Trigueros, Arnaut Danjuma and Alberto Moreno. This one is tough one to call given Unai Emery's men usually up their game against better opposition, but given Real Madrid's form, it's would be foolish not to predict a narrow win for the home side. 1:0
Ferland Mendy is nearing a return, while Dani Carvajal looks set to be out until mid-October. Dani Ceballos and Marcelo are also still on the mend, while Gareth Bale looks set to miss significant time through his hamstring injury. Given the absence of Carvajal, Nacho Fernandez is likely to come in at right-back, allowing Miguel Gutierrez to continue on the left. There is a big decision to make in the middle given Eduardo Camavinga, but experience might decide it here. Federico Valverde is more likely to get the nod as Casemiro and Luka Modric come back in. Eden Hazard is also likely to return. Dani Raba and Samuel Chukwueze remain out, but they are nearing returns, while Gerard Moreno is hoping to recover for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Manchester United. Yeremy Pino suffered quad strain last time out and will likely be replaced by Moi Gomez for this one. Raul Albiol is expected to come back in, while it's a toss up in goal between Sergio Asengo and Geronimo Rulli. Asenjo was given his first start last time out in La Liga, and it's not clear how Unai Emery is using the goalkeepers this season having split games between cup and La Liga last term. Paco Alcacer is likely to lead the line after impressing last time out, grabbing an assist.
Real Madrid are undefeated in their last 24 matches (LaLiga). Villarreal have drawn their last 3 away matches (LaLiga). Real Madrid are undefeated in 19 of their last 20 home matches against Villarreal in all competitions. Villarreal have been drawing at both half time and full time in their last 3 away matches (LaLiga). Real Madrid have scored at least 2 goals in 8 of their last 9 home matches (LaLiga). There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 6 of Real Madrid's last 7 games (LaLiga). Real Madrid have seen over 2.5 goals in 6 of their last 7 matches against Villarreal in all competitions. Real Madrid have scored at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 7 matches against Villarreal in all competitions.
Real Madrid are in stunning form, winning five on the bounce coming into this one, including a 6-1 thrashing of Mallorca at home during the week. Karim Benzema scored twice again in that one, though it was Marco Asensio who was the star of the show with a hat-trick. Only the former is likely to keep his place for this one, though, and this could be Real Madrid's strongest test yet in La Liga as they look to remain at the top of the tree. Villarreal haven't particularly impressed this term, but while they have struggled to win games, they are very hard to beat, proven by the six straight draws they started the season with, including an away trip to champions Atletico Madrid. The Yellow Submarine did end their run of draws last time out, however, with a comfortable home win over Valencia region rivals Elche, winning 4-1 thanks to goals from Yeremy Pino, Manu Trigueros, Arnaut Danjuma and Alberto Moreno. This one is tough one to call given Unai Emery's men usually up their game against better opposition, but given Real Madrid's form, it's would be foolish not to predict a narrow win for the home side. 1:0
Ferland Mendy is nearing a return, while Dani Carvajal looks set to be out until mid-October. Dani Ceballos and Marcelo are also still on the mend, while Gareth Bale looks set to miss significant time through his hamstring injury. Given the absence of Carvajal, Nacho Fernandez is likely to come in at right-back, allowing Miguel Gutierrez to continue on the left. There is a big decision to make in the middle given Eduardo Camavinga, but experience might decide it here. Federico Valverde is more likely to get the nod as Casemiro and Luka Modric come back in. Eden Hazard is also likely to return. Dani Raba and Samuel Chukwueze remain out, but they are nearing returns, while Gerard Moreno is hoping to recover for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Manchester United. Yeremy Pino suffered quad strain last time out and will likely be replaced by Moi Gomez for this one. Raul Albiol is expected to come back in, while it's a toss up in goal between Sergio Asengo and Geronimo Rulli. Asenjo was given his first start last time out in La Liga, and it's not clear how Unai Emery is using the goalkeepers this season having split games between cup and La Liga last term. Paco Alcacer is likely to lead the line after impressing last time out, grabbing an assist.