Villarreal look to extend unbeaten run against league leaders Celta Vigo
Villarreal host league leaders Celta Vigo at El Madrigal on Monday evening in a mouth-watering early La Liga showdown. The Yellow Submarine, back in action just three days after a 2-1 win over Sevilla, are looking to stretch their unbeaten run to three matches. Celta Vigo arrive defending top spot in the table, but do so in a ground that has historically offered the Galicians little comfort.
Villarreal finding their feet after a difficult start to the season
It was far from a pretty performance, but it got the job done. Thanks to a goal from substitute Ayoze Pérez deep into stoppage time — as late as the 95th minute — Villarreal beat Sevilla 2-1 on Friday, claiming their first victory of the season. With one win and one draw from their opening two matchdays, the Comunitat Valenciana club have four points to their name and are now aiming to go unbeaten for a third consecutive match. Their home record gives manager Marcelino added confidence. Villarreal have won each of their last three home fixtures against Celta Vigo, and another victory would extend that sequence to four consecutive home wins over the Galicians. In six La Liga meetings with Celta Vigo, Villarreal have suffered just one defeat — though that most recent loss did come in May. Denis Suárez is ruled out through injury, while Juan Foyth and Alfonso Pedraza are doubts for this fixture. Marcelino is expected to stick with his trusted 4-4-2 system, with Arnaut Danjuma and Gerard Moreno leading the line.
Celta Vigo defend top spot but arrive carrying historical baggage
Celta Vigo travel to Villarreal in fine form. Last Friday, manager Claudio Giráldez's side beat Valencia 3-1 at the Estadio de Balaídos in an impressive comeback. Óscar Mingueza drew level in the 23rd minute after Vigo had fallen behind early on, before Iago Aspas put them ahead five minutes later and Fran Beltrán wrapped things up on the hour. With back-to-back wins, Celta Vigo sit at the top of La Liga and will be looking to defend that position on Monday. There are, however, reasons for caution. In their last eight away matches in the Comunitat Valenciana in La Liga, Celta Vigo have won just once — the remaining seven fixtures yielded one draw and six defeats. On top of that, the club have gone eight La Liga Monday-evening matches without a win, drawing six and losing two. Giráldez will be hoping his side can break both unwanted sequences on Monday. He is expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Borja Iglesias leading the attack. Kick-off at El Madrigal is at 20:30 (GMT+1).
Match Facts
Related
Source: Sportmonks
Comments
- Be the first to comment.