After a series of unconvincing performances, Athletico Madrid will be heading to the Estadio de la Ceramica to prove themselves. The match is scheduled for Sunday 3rd November with kickoff starting at 16:00 GMT.
Coach Javi Calleja made a comeback to the team after being sacked in December. The Spaniard has placed the team at the 7th place after 11 games, picking up 17 points. It has been a tough season for Villareal following the signing of prolific goalscoring midfielder Pablo Fornals to West Ham.
Athletico are also a struggling side, registering only one win in their past 6 last encounters. They are currently 8th in the La Liga table with only a point separating them from their opponents. It is going to be a close call but Villareal seem to have the upper hand added to the home advantage.
Villareal vs. Athletico Bilbao Head to Head
Both teams have played 27 games together, with Villareal emerging winners in 11 occasions while Athletico Bilbao picking up 9 wins. 7 games have ended up in a draw between the two sides.
Here is a look at the last 8 previous encounters for both teams:
Bilbao 2-0 Villareal
Villareal 1-1 Bilbao
Villareal 2-1 Bilbao
Bilbao 1-1 Villareal
Bilbao 0-1 Villareal
Villareal 3-0 Bilbao
Bilbao 0-0
Villareal Team News
Spanish legend Santi Cazorla is set to start the lineup after an impressive start to the campaign bagging more assists than Lionel Messi. Nigerian wonder kid is still establishing his grip for this season after a lackluster performances.
Former Liverpool left back, Alberto Moreno, is still trying to adapt to the La Liga after a long spell at the Premier League. It is been two years of missing action for defensive midfielder Bruno Soriano who picked up a leg injury. Experienced center back Raul Albiol is set to miss the match after picking up hos tenth yellow card suspension.
Athletico Bilbao Team News
Rumors over a possible summer move to the Old Trafford by forward Ineka Williams were turned down after extending his contract with the team for eight years. Aduriz has showed consistency in the La Liga following the team’s first win over the season against title contenders Barcelona.
However, the team will enter the clash without the services of central midfielder Benat Etxebarria who suffered a sprain ankle and has missed out on two matches. Available for selection is midfielder Raul Garcia and Dani Garcia.
Prediction and Odds
Villareal win – 1.89
Draw – 3.64
Goals Under 2.5 – 1.83
Both Teams to Score (No) – 1.975
