Bottom-placed Racing Santander are looking to end the poor run of results with a victory over Villarreal, whereas the visitors are also going through a rough patch and will see the game at El Sardinero as their opportunity to return to the right track. With both sides looking for a win here, we should see an interesting game.

Can Racing avoid the drop?

Racing Santander have been defying the odds over the last few years and somehow managed to survive season after season, but they cannot be trusted to avoid relegation this term. In spite of the fact that the squad clearly lacked quality as well as some fresh blood, Racing Santander chiefs were unable to attract good players over the summer, which could end up costing them dearly come end of the season. The mere fact that 36-year-old Pedro Munitis is still considered a key member of the squad proves that Racing are really short of talent at the moment, while they are experiencing problems in every single area. Seeing that the team have scored just nine goals in thirteen league games, it is little wonder that they currently sit at rock bottom, with just nine points. The players are low on confidence after back to back defeats to Malaga and Mallorca, so I doubt they can fare any better against Villarreal. After coach Hector Cuper resigned from the post, president Francisco Pernia has revealed that he will do the same in a couple of weeks, and that speaks volumes about the situation at the club.

Villarreal in problems

Villarreal have established themselves as genuine top 4 side in one of the strongest league competitions in the world, so it is really strange to see them in the bottom half of the table. While the Yellow Submarine is clearly underperforming, there are some pretty valid reasons why their showings have not been up to the standard. The departures of Joan Capdevila and Santi Cazorla definitely left a big gap to fill, but it was numerous injury problems that took the wind out of their sails. Villarreal have been playing without first choice strikers Nilmar and Rossi for quite a while now, so no wonder that they are experiencing big problems up front. Nevertheless, even without the attacking duo, Yellow Submarine have got too much quality in the side for a team like Racing Santander, and I really believe they can now record the first away win of the season.

The good news is that Nilmar, Cani and Senna have recovered from injuries and they will be in contention.

Verdict

Racing Santander are in all sorts of problems at the moment as they are not only recording poor results, but have stayed without coach Hector Cuper and are set to lose president Francisco Pernia as well. Villarreal, too, are struggling at the moment, but the return of three key players could be just the boost they need to kick-start their season.

Our prediction: Villarreal Draw No Bet

Odds: 1.91 (10/11)

Bookmaker: Paddy Power