On the back of a chastening week, things can only get better for Villarreal as they prepare to host a Getafe side who are desperately struggling on the road.
Match News and Current Form
The misery of a 1-0 home defeat to Espanyol last weekend was compounded by a 6-0 drubbing at the hands of PSG in midweek for Villarreal, which was their joint-second heaviest defeat in history. Bouncing back is far from a foregone conclusion for a side who’ve collected 11 of their 12 points this season against the pre-round bottom five, while the Yellow Submarine have already lost as many home league games this term (3) as in the entirety of last season (W15, D1, L3). The home fans could still be forgiven for expecting better here as boss Iñigo Pérez is unbeaten in five managerial meetings against opposite number José Bordalás (W2, D3).
Getafe steered clear of the immediate clutches of the bottom three with a 3-1 win at home to Sevilla last weekend, and picking up points at home continues to be key for a side who have lost all five of their away league games this term. The most concerning aspect is that they’re still yet to score on the road in La Liga this term, and racking up a mere 1.8 xG along the way suggests the Azulones haven’t come that close either. Getafe’s goalless and winless away run in the top flight actually stretches back into last season (D1, L6), and after a midweek defeat to Brighton in the UEFA Conference League, confidence is bound to be near rock bottom.
Head-to-Head History
Villarreal are unbeaten in their last seven La Liga home games against Getafe (W5, D2), and stretching that here will secure their longest-ever unbeaten top-flight home H2H run.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Villarreal’s last four competitive games were all won by the away side on the day.
Villarreal haven’t led a home league game at half-time this term (HT: D4, L1).
Seven of Getafe’s eight La Liga goals this season arrived after half-time.
Getafe have received a pre-round league-high 39 yellow cards this term.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Villarreal’s Alberto Moleiro has racked up a team-high six La Liga goal contributions this season (G2, A4), with his last five goals coming between the 40th and 65th minute. Getafe’s Johan Mojica returns from a yellow card suspension here, picking up five bookings this La Liga season despite committing just five fouls!
Both Gerard Moreno and Juan Foyth missed Villarreal’s clash with PSG, while Getafe have no fresh concerns.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
With Getafe’s scoring woes on the road, a Villarreal win to nil seems the obvious route to take here.
Author: Chris Wilson
