Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal Prediction & Betting Tips - LaLiga

Prediction published on 20/02/2020, 06:41  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 20/02/2020 at 07:42 in LaLiga Predictions

Atletico Madrid had a big win over Liverpool in midweek and now return to La Liga action. They are fourth in the table, two places above Villarreal but their opponents can go ahead of them with a win this weekend. Atletico may have just done what no English Premier League side has achieved but all is not so rosy in La Liga. They are in the final Champions League qualification position but 13 points behind league leaders Real Madrid. Their season is now about ensuring they qualify for the Champions League next season. One problem they have had is the number of games they have drawn, a total of ten so far. Current league form isn't that good with only one win in their last five league games. That was a 1-0 home win over Granada who have lost eight of 12 away league fixtures. Scoring is another problem and 19 of their 24 games in La Liga this season have had under 2.5 goals scored in them (nine out of 12 at home).

Villarreal are in sixth place and two points behind Atletico so this is a big game for them. They would love to win it but avoiding defeat is important to avoid a five point gap opening up. The away side had a surprise loss at Mirandes in the Copa del Rey but are on a four game unbeaten league run. Three of those matches have been won, the other being drawn. Those three wins have all come against sides outside the top ten in the table. Away form is inconsistent with five wins but six defeats, though three of the last four have ended in a win. This won't be so easy and the suggested bet is on under 2.5 goals being scored.