Alaves vs Villarreal
La Liga
Saturday
10th February 2024
Mendizorroza
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the La Liga fixture between Alaves and Villarreal.
Alaves vs Villarreal: Preview
Alaves form analysis
Babazorros have put together an encouraging run of form over their last five La Liga games. This run started with an encouraging 1-1 away draw at Real Sociedad as Rioja’s penalty earned Alaves a point. Manager Luis Garcia Plaza will have hoped that marked a turning point, but a thrilling 3-2 victory away at Sevilla proved a false dawn. Despite twice leading through goals from Tenaglia, Kike Garcia and then Duarte’s dramatic late winner, inconsistency remained.
Back-to-back wins against relegation Cadiz and then away at Almeria gave a confidence boost. Most recently at home against league leaders Barcelona, despite Omorodion pulling a goal back, defensive problems persisted in a 3-1 loss. Plaza desperately needs more productivity from his forward players alongside Rioja. Retaining organisation and shape at the back is also vital to pull clear of the drop.
Villarreal form analysis
Villarreal have experienced inconsistent form in recent league matches during a tricky spell. A disappointing 3-1 loss away at Valencia to start this run was compounded by an alarming 3-0 defeat away at Las Palmas. Despite enjoying the bulk of possession, defensive issues and a lack of ruthlessness upfront cost manager Marcelino Toral. However, what followed marked an upturn in fortunes – a hard fought 1-1 home draw with Mallorca thanks to Sorloth’s goal followed up by a eight goal thriller in a 3-5 away win against league leaders Barcelona.
Strikes from Moreno, Akhomach, Guedes, Sorloth and Morales saw Villareal advance in the cup. A goalless draw last time out with Cadiz lacked spark but provided defensive encouragement. So while concerns remain over the vulnerability of Toral’s high defensive line, the attacking talent within the squad is clear. Striking the right balance between flair and caution is now key if inconsistency is to make way for a sustained top table push.
Alaves vs Villarreal: Prediction
The average goals recorded in Alaves’ previous four La Liga fixtures is 3.33. Their opponents, meanwhile, have had an average of five goals in their last four league matches on the road. Backing a high scoring game seems like the way to go.
The hosts have lost three of their last four home league games. In this form I do not see them bettering their opponents who have lost fewer times than they have not in their last nine league games on the road.
