Following some impressive performances in Europe this season, Twente were hammered 5:1 in the first leg and they are now looking to make amends for the dismal performance and win this tie. Having already created a huge advantage, Villarreal will take their foot off gas and save key players for the La Liga campaign.

Twente out to make amends

Twente have been thoroughly impressive this season and not even the heavy defeat at El Madrigal can change that fact. The Tukkers are currently leading the race in Dutch Eredivisie, while they have proved their credentials in Europe as well. After doing pretty well in the group that also consisted of Inter, Tottenham and Werder, Twente managed to eliminate both Rubin Kazan and Zenit St Petersburg from Europa League to earn a tie with Villarreal. However, the Tukkers were unlucky to play their worst game of the season at El Madrigal and they will now need to produce a real wonder in order to make it to the semi-finals. Nonetheless, the hosts will be very motivated to make amends for the heavy defeat and they will surely give their best to win this game, which shouldn’t be too big a problem considering that Villarreal will be severely weakened. Considering their impeccable home record, Twente do look like the favourites in this clash.

Luuk De Jong has resumed training after picking up an ankle injury in the first leg and he should be fit to play.

Villarreal humiliated at Valencia

Everybody at Villarreal dreams about a European title and their dreams could easily become a reality if the Yellow Submarine continue playing like they did against Twente. A spirited performance saw the Spaniards record a four-goal advantage before the return leg, although we have to say they were lucky to win by such a big margin. However, Juan Carlos Garrido’s team then suffered an embarrassing 5:0 defeat to Valencia in La Liga, which served as a big blow to the players’ confidence. With a place in the Europa League semis already in the bag, boss Garrido is likely to rest his star players in Holland since it is highly unlikely that even a second string Villarreal side would fail to hold on to a four-goal advantage. On top of that, the visitors will be missing several key players through injuries and suspensions, which will make Twente’s job even easier.

Nilmar and Santi Cazorla miss out through suspension, while Gonzalo Rodriguez, Marcos Senna, Angel Lopez and Xavi Oliva are out injured.

Verdict

Twente will be very motivated to make amends for the heavy defeat at El Madrigal and they should be able to record a victory against what should be a second string Villarreal side. The visitors won’t be too disappointed even if they lose by one or two goals, so home win looks like a banker here.

Our prediction: Home win

Odds: 2.25 (5/4)

Bookmaker: Paddy Power