Sevilla vs Villarreal
La Liga
Sunday
3rd December 2023
Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the La Liga fixture between Sevilla and Villarreal.
Sevilla vs Villarreal: Preview
Sevilla form analysis
Palanganas have struggled for consistency in recent weeks under Jorge Sampaoli. They kicked off this run by claiming a battling point at home in a 1-1 draw with Champions Real Madrid on October 21st – taking the lead through a David Alaba own goal before Dani Carvajal equalised late on. However, just one win in their next four games followed. Sevilla had to fight back twice to draw 2-2 away at relegation battlers Cadiz, before securing another point in a 1-1 away draw at Celta Vigo thanks to Youssef En-Nesyri’s late equaliser on November 4th.
A third straight draw followed in a tense 1-1 home derby against city rivals Real Betis. With Ivan Rakitic cancelling out Ayoze Perez’s opener. Hopes of a return to winning ways were dashed on November 26th though, as Sevilla lost 2-1 at home against high-flying Real Sociedad. Finding attacking fluency has been an issue for Sampaoli’s pragmatic side, netting just four goals in this period. Addressing these problems is key to reviving Sevilla’s ambitions.
Villarreal form analysis
After an inconsistent opening two months, Villarreal’s form has improved recently with three wins and two defeats from their last five games. They started slowly however, following up a battling 1-1 home draw against Alavés by losing 3-2 away at struggling Granada on October 31st despite Gerard Moreno’s double. This sparked an upturn though as Villarreal responded with an impressive 3-2 home win over high-flying Athletic Bilbao on November 5th, aided by Moreno and substitute Alexander Sørloth’s strikes.
However, defeat followed away at Champions League chasing Atletico Madrid, well beaten 3-1 on November 13th with Moreno again netting. Momentum was regained swiftly on November 26th though, as Setién’s side cruised past Osasuna winning 3-1 at home. Moreno was instrumental again, assisting two goals for match-winner Jose Luis Morales who grabbed a perfect hat-trick. Overall Villarreal still don’t seem the force we are used to, but they can beat quality opposition on their day.
