Villarreal vs Real Madrid Prediction & Betting Tips - LaLiga

Prediction published on 05/01/2023, 11:21  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 05/01/2023 at 12:22 in LaLiga Predictions

Seventh placed Villarreal host Real Madrid who are second in the La Liga table. The home side are a point behind the Europa Conference League place but just three adrift of qualifying for the Champions League.  Villarreal have played one La Liga fixture since the season resumed. They had to come from behind to get a home win over Valencia. There have also been two wins in the Copa del Rey but needed extra time to get past Guijuelo, again coming from behind to get the victory. Four of their six home league games have been won this season. Their only loss came against Mallorca at the end of 2022. Not since 2015 have they beat Real Madrid at home in La Liga. Five of the six games played since then have ended in a draw.

Real Madrid are on the same number of points as leaders Barcelona and nine clear of Real Sociedad in third. Since the season has resumed, Real Madrid have won 2-0 at Real Valladolid and beaten Cacareno 1-0 away in the Copa del Rey. They are unbeaten in three games since being beaten away at Rayo Vallecano. That's their only loss away from home in La Liga this season with the other seven games all being won and 19 goals scored. They have kept three clean sheets in their last four away La Liga fixtures. This won't be easy but they can get an important three points.