Real Madrid vs Villarreal predictions for Sunday’s La Liga fixture. Real Madrid aims to get back on the winning track in La Liga as they face Villarreal in their second-to-last match of 2023. Will Ancelotti’s side succeed? Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Match Live Sunday, 17th December at 8:00 pm In:
Real Madrid vs Villarreal Predictions
[wptb id="393336" not found ]A Clash of Styles: Real Madrid vs Villarreal – A Strategic Analysis
Key Stats
– Villarreal has won their last two La Liga meetings against Madrid.
– Madrid’s Jude Bellingham is a standout performer, contributing 12 goals from midfield.
Real Madrid and Villarreal prepare to face off in a pivotal La Liga encounter, with Real Madrid aiming to close the gap at the top and Villarreal seeking to regain their form. This matchup promises an intriguing tactical battle, showcasing contrasting styles and strategies from two accomplished teams.
Our Suggested Best Value Bet For This Match
BEST VALUE BET £20 Returns £240   Odds corrects at time of posting and subject to change |
Best Value Bet Rationale
Valverde, with an average BettingTips4You rating of 7.44, is known for his dynamic presence in midfield and ability to unleash strikes from distance. His season statistics reinforce this, with one of his goals coming from outside the box. Moreover, he averages 1.6 shots per game, with a notable 0.5 of those on target. This suggests that he isn’t shy about shooting from range and has the accuracy to challenge goalkeepers.
Real Madrid, positioned second in La Liga and eager to return to winning ways, are likely to assert dominance in this game, especially at home. Given Villarreal’s recent 3-0 defeat to Real Sociedad and their inconsistent campaign, Real Madrid will likely have more control and attacking opportunities. In such a scenario, a player like Valverde, who ventures forward and isn’t hesitant to take long-range efforts, becomes a key figure.
Additionally, Real Madrid’s pattern of play often involves stretching opponents and creating spaces outside the box. Valverde, with his knack for finding pockets of space and taking chances from distance, fits perfectly into this strategy. His goal-scoring ability from outside the box, combined with Real Madrid’s attacking prowess and Villarreal’s vulnerability, makes betting on Valverde to score from distance a value proposition, especially with the boosted odds provided by Bet365.
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Team Dynamics and Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid are set to welcome back Aurelien Tchouameni, bolstering their midfield. Their impressive defensive record, conceding only 10 times this season, speaks volumes about their solid backline. Anticipated to start are Kepa, Vazquez, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Modric; Bellingham; Rodrygo, and Joselu. Expectations rest heavily on Joselu, following his recent brace.
Villarreal, sitting in the lower half of the table, need a boost. Despite their league struggles, their Europa League success could serve as a morale booster. Their likely lineup includes Jorgensen; Foyth, Albiol, Gabbia, Alti; Capoue, Parejo, Baena; Akhomach, Sorloth, and G Moreno, aiming to exploit Madrid’s occasional defensive lapses.
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Key Areas and Duels
The match could pivot on midfield battles, with Madrid’s Kroos and Modric facing Villarreal’s Parejo and Capoue. Bellingham’s runs into the box and Rodrygo’s flair on the wings could be decisive.
Team Strategies: Pros and Cons
Real Madrid’s Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths: Solid defence, midfield control, and attacking versatility.
- Weaknesses: Occasionally vulnerable on the counter and set-pieces.
Villarreal’s Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths: Cohesive midfield play and effective counter-attacking strategy.
- Weaknesses: Inconsistency in defence and lack of firepower upfront.
Managerial Tactics
- Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid): Praised for his adaptive tactics but criticised for sometimes being overly conservative in big matches.
- Marcelino (Villarreal): Known for his structured approach but criticised for a lack of tactical flexibility in challenging situations.
Improvement Suggestions
- Real Madrid: Need to enhance their attacking efficiency against well-organised defences.
- Villarreal: Require a more consistent approach in both attack and defence to climb the league table.
Expected Goals Analysis Real Madrid’s expected goals average per match is higher, indicating a more potent attack compared to Villarreal. This statistical edge underlines Madrid’s likelihood of scoring more.
Tactical Analysis and Predictions
- Win-Draw-Way Prediction: Real Madrid Win Real Madrid’s consistent form and home advantage tilt the odds in their favor. Their ability to maintain control and pose a constant threat upfront makes them the favorites to clinch this encounter.
- Correct Score Prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Villarreal Given Madrid’s attacking prowess and Villarreal’s occasional defensive frailties, a 3-1 scoreline seems plausible. Madrid’s frontline, led by the creative force of Bellingham and Rodrygo, is likely to penetrate Villarreal’s defense.
- Goalscorer Prediction: Jude Bellingham Bellingham, with an astonishing 12 goals this season, is a likely candidate to find the back of the net. His midfield runs and knack for being at the right place at the right time make him a potent threat.
- Corner Prediction: Real Madrid to have More Corners Expect Madrid to dominate possession and create more attacking opportunities, leading to a higher number of corners. Their aggressive playstyle should see them win this particular battle.
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