Villarreal will look to reignite their La Liga charge on Sunday evening as they host Real Betis at the Estadio de la Cerámica. After back-to-back defeats, the Yellow Submarine is desperate to stay afloat in the race for European football, sitting fifth in the table but with two crucial games in hand and a six-point gap to fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao.
Real Betis, on the other hand, find themselves drifting down to 11th, plagued by erratic form that has left their season hanging in the balance. With both sides eager for redemption, this clash promises high stakes and no shortage of drama under the Sunday night lights.
Villarreal heads into Sunday’s showdown desperate to reverse their fortunes after a pair of disheartening defeats. A shocking 1-0 loss to fourth-tier Pontevedra in the Copa del Rey was followed by a 2-0 setback against Athletic Bilbao in La Liga, leaving the Yellow Submarine in turbulent waters.
The team will be without Diego Conde and Ilias Akhomach due to injuries, while Santi Comesana is sidelined through suspension after picking up a crucial yellow card in last weekend’s defeat.
There is a glimmer of hope, though, as Ayoze Perez, who has been on fire with 10 goals in just 12 appearances this season, is fit and ready to lead the attack alongside Thierno Barry. Meanwhile, Alex Baena, one of Villarreal’s brightest stars and rumored Barcelona target, is expected to dazzle once again from the left flank as the Yellow Submarine seeks redemption.
VILLARREAL predicted lineup vs REAL BETIS: Luiz Junior (GK); Femenia, Albiol, Costa, Bernat; Pino, Suarez, Parejo, Baena; Perez, Barry.
Manuel Pellegrini's Real Betis heads into Sunday’s clash riding the momentum of a three-game unbeaten streak. After a commanding 3-1 win over Sant Andreu in the Copa del Rey, they showcased grit and determination to snatch a thrilling 2-2 draw against Barcelona in La Liga last weekend.
Trailing 2-1 in the dying moments, Aitor Ruibal’s brilliance set up Assane Diao to equalize, salvaging a vital point and propelling Betis to 21 points in the standings—a testament to their never-say-die attitude.
Injuries remain a concern, with Johnny Cardoso, Nobel Mendy, Marc Roca, and William Carvalho ruled out. Additionally, doubts linger over the fitness of Mateo Flores, Romain Perraud, Pablo Fornals, and Hector Bellerin. Pellegrini is expected to shake up his starting XI, with Sergi Altimira, Abde Ezzalzouli, Vitor Roque, and Marc Bartra likely to feature. While Diao impressed with his heroics against Barcelona, the dynamic attacker is anticipated to begin on the bench, ready to strike if called upon.
REAL BETIS predicted lineup vs VILLARREAL: Vieites (GK); Sabaly, Bartra, Llorente, Perraud; Flores, Altimira; Avila, Lo Celso, Ezzalzouli; Roque.
Villarreal and Real Betis are set to collide in a battle of resilience and ambition, each side boasting a 50% win rate in recent outings. At Estadio de la Cerámica, Villarreal have delivered mixed results, claiming four victories, four draws, and suffering two defeats in their last 10 matches across all competitions. Meanwhile, Real Betis have proven they can be dangerous travelers, also winning four of their previous 10 away fixtures.
The Yellow Submarine enters this clash licking their wounds after back-to-back losses, but the roar of their home crowd could be the spark they need. With redemption on their minds, expect Villarreal to rise to the occasion and chase a much-needed triumph in front of their faithful supporters.
Prediction: Villarreal wins.
