Will Villarreal’s home strength be enough for another victory?
On Monday evening, fans can look forward to soccer from the Spanish league. This gives us the chance to make a Villarreal – Espanyol Barcelona prediction ahead of the game. The hosts are considered the favorites.
A glance at the table shows that both teams are playing for international spots. For Villarreal, however, it’s all about the Champions League, while Espanyol Barcelona is aiming for the Europa League. Of course, their chances could improve if they manage an away win on Monday.
If you only look at the head-to-head record in recent years, the home side must be considered clear favorites for the Villarreal vs. Espanyol Barcelona prediction. However, the game will not be easy, especially as Villarreal have not won any of their last five competitive games.
Villarreal has only picked up one point in the league recently, while also losing its last two Champions League games against Ajax Amsterdam and Bayer Leverkusen. Nevertheless, coach Marcelino’s team can be seen as favorites for this Monday.
Villarreal is a very strong home team, winning 72% of its home games so far and losing only twice. This will make it very difficult for the visitors, who have only managed to take one point from their last five games.
At least three goals are possible if Villarreal can get back on track at home. The expected goals value for Monday is 1.80. In their home games so far, there has been an average of 2.09 goals per game. The visitors have an xG value of 1.00, which should allow them to score at least one goal.
In addition, the home side could score at least two goals, which is covered by the Villarreal – Espanyol Barcelona odds of 1.65 at Bet-at-home.
Villarreal – Espanyol Barcelona Head-to-head comparison / H2H record
Although the head-to-head comparison plays a minor role in the current Villarreal vs. Espanyol Barcelona betting odds, the recent results between the two teams suggest that the Yellow Submarine is more likely to be successful.
Overall, Villarreal has won 22 games and Espanyol 12. However, Espanyol has not won against this opponent in seven games and has even lost the last six encounters.
Villarreal – Espanyol Barcelona Tip
For the hosts, this is a chance to get back on track after five consecutive competitive games without a win. Home advantage could play a decisive role, as Villarreal are one of the strongest teams in the league at home.
For the visitors from Espanyol Barcelona, on the other hand, it will be difficult. They are having a solid season overall, but have only picked up one point from their last five league games. However, they have managed to score points in 70% of their away games, so it won’t be a walk in the park for Villarreal.
Two goals were scored in the first leg, but there could be three on Monday. Espanyol are good at scoring away from home, but Villarreal have what it takes to score at least two goals to still come away with three points in this case.
For the hosts, it’s about keeping up with Atletico Madrid. The top two, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, are already too far ahead. However, with a seven-point lead over fifth place, the team has a good chance of qualifying for the Champions League again. For Espanyol, it’s about important points in the battle for the Europa League.
