Villarreal and Atletico Madrid go head-to-head in La Liga this weekend, with the duo both sitting in the top six in the standings ahead of kick-off. The hosts are looking for the three points that would consolidate their place in a Europa League qualifying position, while the visitors must win if they are to have any chance of catching runaway leaders Barcelona come the end of the season.
Spanish La Liga – Estadio de la Cerámica, Vila-real – Sunday 18th March – 17:30 UK Time
Villarreal vs Atletico Madrid Match Preview
Villarreal host Atletico Madrid this weekend, with both teams hunting for three important points at the Estadio de la Ceramica on Sunday evening. Many are predicting a close encounter as a result of the rivalry between the duo, as well as recent form, with little separating the two teams in the match betting odds with the bookmakers. For those still unsure of who to back, be sure to take a look at our top betting tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Villarreal Team News & Form
Villarreal come into this weekend’s clash off the back of a comfortable 2-0 away success at Las Palmas, ending a run of two consecutive defeats in La Liga. Manager Javier Calleja is under pressure to ensure that his side finish in a European qualifying position in the La Liga standings, with the hosts having already lost ten matches in the Spanish top-flight. A lack of goals has been their biggest issue, with Villarreal having scored just 38 goals in 28 matches to date. Carlos Bacca has nine La Liga goals to his name so far, while youngster Enes Unal will look to add to his growing reputation this weekend.
Atletico Madrid Team News & Form
Atletico Madrid defeated Celta Vigo 3-0 last time out in La Liga, with the hosts looking for the three points that would keep them within touching distance of rivals Barcelona at the top of the standings. The partnership between Antoine Griezmann and Diego Costa is likely to make Madrid a constant threat on Sunday evening, while the likes of Saul Niguez and Koke will look to dominate in midfield. The visitors have conceded just 12 goals in La Liga so far this season, giving them the best defensive record in the division.
Villarreal vs Atletico Madrid Head to Head
The two teams have met 26 times in the past, with Villarreal having won 10 of such encounters to date, including registering seven draws in this time. The duo met twice in 2017, with Villarreal collecting four points from such encounters, including a narrow 1-0 success away from home.
Villarreal vs Atletico Madrid Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite being the home side this weekend, it comes as little surprise that it is Villarreal who are the underdogs for victory with the majority of bookmakers. The hosts can be backed at odds of 16/5 with bookmaker Paddy Power, while those looking to bet on an away win for Atletico Madrid can take advantage of 21/20 odds from the same bookmaker.
Villarreal vs Atletico Madrid Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on both teams scoring during the 90 minutes, which is available at odds of 1/1 with William Hill.