Villarreal vs Las Palmas
La Liga
Sunday
8th October 2023
Estadio de la Ceramica
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the gameweek nine La Liga fixture between Villarreal and Las Palmas.
Villarreal vs Las Palmas: Preview
Villarreal form analysis
El Submarino Amarillo began September with an excellent comeback 2-1 win at Almeria after going behind, sealed by goals from Moreno and Sørloth. However, defensive issues surfaced in a 1-1 home draw against Rayo Vallecano, pegged back immediately after taking the lead through Sørloth. Problems at the back persisted in a 1-2 home loss to Girona despite Parejo putting Villarreal ahead. Most recently though, Villarreal stopped the rot by holding Getafe to a goalless away draw last time out.
Overall, it’s been an inconsistent spell for Unai Emery’s side as they struggle for form and fluency. Striker Sørloth has impressed with 2 goals from 4 starts. But silly defensive errors have cost Villarreal points in games they should be winning, like against Rayo and Girona. They still have the quality to make a push for Europe this term. But substantially improving their levels of performance is crucial now after this erratic run.
Las Palmas form analysis
Las Palmas began with a 0-1 home loss to Girona, undone by Portu’s late goal. They followed that up with a narrow 0-1 defeat away at Sevilla, unable to create much. However, Las Palmas earned a huge 1-0 home win over Granada last time out thanks to a last minute Rodriguez strike. But their defensive issues resurfaced in a 0-2 loss away at Real Madrid, well beaten in the end. Most recently though, Las Palmas returned to form with an excellent 2-1 home win over Celta Vigo, coming from behind late through Viera’s penalty and Cardona’s last gasp goal.
Overall, Las Palmas have remained competitive on their La Liga return, making games tight against superior teams like Sevilla and Real Madrid. The resilience shown in the dramatic win over Granada was especially encouraging. If manager Garcia Pimienta can retain that spirit while adding a little more attacking threat, Las Palmas have a good chance of avoiding relegation this season. But their home form is likely to be crucial if they are to survive this term.
