Real Madrid are aiming to get back to the top of La Liga with a victory over Villarreal on Sunday night, but they will need Girona to drop points if they are to move into first place.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side could only draw 1-1 with Real Betis last weekend, which meant they were leapfrogged by Girona after they won at Barcelona.
There are plenty of injuries to worry about, but Villarreal have not enjoyed a good start to the 2023/24 season as they sit in 13th going into this match. Real Madrid will be the clear favourites, but it may still be a tough night in the capital.
Here is all you need to know about Real Madrid vs Villarreal this weekend.
Real Madrid vs Villarreal H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Current form (all competitions)
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Country |
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United Kingdom |
LaLigaTV, Viaplay Sports 2, Viaplay UK |
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United States |
ESPN+, ESPN Deportes |
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Canada |
TSN+ |
It has been well-documented that Real Madrid are struggling with injuries this season, but the situation does seem to be slowly improving. A handful of players seem to be recovering quicker than first feared.
Aurelien Tchouameni has been training with the team and is expected to make it into the squad against Villarreal. Eduardo Camavinga, Vinicius Junior and Arda Guler were all training with the ball this week and do not seem far away from returning.
Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao will all be out.
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Villarreal (4-2-2-2): Kepa; Vazquez, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos; Bellingham, Brahim; Joselu, Rodrygo.
Villarreal do have some injury worries of their own, although it is not as severe as Real Madrid’s absences. They are expected to be without Yeremi Pino, Santi Comesana and Aissa Mandi and potential Denis Suarez as well.
Villarreal may be feeling confident coming into this one given they dramatically beat Rennes in the Europa League on Thursday night, securing the top spot in their group. Matteo Gabbia was stretchered off in that game so he is not expected to play here.
Villarreal predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-4-2): Reina; Foyth, Albiol, Cuenca, Altimira; Akhomach, Capoue, Parejo, Baena; Moreno, Sorloth.
Real Madrid will still feel that they are the team in pole position to win La Liga this season as they will be working on the basis that Girona are going to run out of steam. That is all well and good, but they have to avoid slip-ups like the one against Real Betis.
With Villarreal having been involved in such a tough game on Thursday, Real Madrid should have the physical edge over their opponents who do not seem to be up to a great deal this season. It may not be simple but they should get all three points.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Villarreal
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