Relegation-threatened Almeria are in desperate need of a win after yet another defeat to direct rivals, but the hosts need to play a perfect game if they are to end the batten run against in-form Villarreal. The Yellow Submarine were incredibly unfortunate to suffer a Europa League defeat to Sevilla, but the most important thing is they continue to perform at a very high level.

Another costly defeat

Almeria produced the great escape last term as they took ten points from last four fixtures to finish just one point above the relegation zone, but the club clearly failed to learn from their mistakes. Los Rojiblancos then saw a host of important players leave in the summer, and having failed to recruit proper replacements, nobody was surprised to see them heavily involved in the relegation tussle. The interesting thing is that it was team’s performances on the road that helped Almeria keep their survival chances alive, with the Andalusians recording no fewer than five wins on the travels. Meanwhile, los Rojiblancos have largely struggled at home, winning just one of twelve fixtures at Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos, so they clearly don’t have much to hope for ahead of the clash with high-flying Villarreal. The team have already missed several good opportunities to leave the danger zone, with the latest defeat to relegation rivals Elche likely to put extra pressure on the side that now sit one point adrift of safety. And while boss Juan Ignacio Martinez will have several important players back to the side, the hosts still lack the quality to match a side like Villarreal.

Michel, Thievy Bifouma and Edgar Mendez are back from suspension, but Ruben continues to miss out with a broken arm.

Unfortunate loss to Sevilla

Villarreal boss Marcelino Garcia Toral was well aware of the fact that his players would suffer from a burn-out at some stage of the season if he didn’t adopt a rotation policy, although this was a high risk strategy given what looked like a small pool of quality players. But, the coach showed a lot of courage by giving playing time to youngsters Adrian Marin, Sergio Marcos, Gerard Moreno and Moi Gomez, and he is now reaping the rewards. Mostly thanks to Marcelino’s great work, the Yellow Submarine have been performing at a very high level for several months now, enjoying success in La Liga, Copa del Rey and Europa League. And even though the team were knockout of the Spanish Cup and also face European elimination, Villarreal fans have got to be delighted with team’s achievements this term. After cementing a top 6 place with a 4-1 triumph over Celta Vigo, the Yellow Submarine completely outclassed Europa League holders Sevilla in midweek, but were very unlucky to suffer a 3-1 defeat. Nevertheless, the undeserved loss should make them even more determined to return to winning ways at the earliest opportunity and what better way to record a morale-boosting win than against league’s weakest home side.

Marcelino Garcia Toral is again expected to rest several starters, but the starting line-up should be quite similar to that which hammered Celta Vigo.

Verdict

Almeria clearly lack the quality to match Spain’s top sides and their shocking home record has got to be take into account as well. Meanwhile, Villarreal continue to impress with their consistent performances and I can see them winning at Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos on Sunday morning.

Top pick: Away win   2.05 (21/20) @ BetVictor

Alternative pick 1: Villarreal/Villarreal   3.20 (11/5) @ TitanBet

Alternative pick 2: Villarreal -1.5 AH   3.65 (53/20) @ Unibet