Can the promoted team hold its own?
After five matchdays, the home team is still waiting for its first three points, and the visitors are in the same boat.
Both teams have been disappointing defensively, but in the case of the hosts, this also applies to their offense. This is clearly evident in the fact that the “Albicelestes” have scored no more than two goals since the season began last month.
On the other hand, expectations for the promoted team are significantly lower compared to those for the visitors. Villarreal finished third in the final standings last season and qualified for the Champions League.
Against this backdrop, the disappointment and pressure on Coach Iñigo Pérez’s squad are noticeably higher. In addition, the newcomer’s away matches, at least, have been predominantly difficult, with two away games in Madrid against Real and Atlético.
At home, however, Málaga remains undefeated with two draws. In contrast, the visitors are still waiting for their first three points after three away games, and five of the ten goals they’ve conceded this season have come on the road. In light of these factors, we’re predicting that the home team will avoid defeat in the match between Málaga and Villarreal.
Málaga – Villarreal Head-to-Head Record
The last matchup between the La Liga 2 promoted team and the “Submarino amarillo” took place more than eight years ago. Back then, Málaga prevailed 1-0 in front of their home crowd. This ended a previous streak of three home games without a win against this opponent (0-1-2).
Furthermore, looking back at Málaga’s last five home games against the Yellow-and-Blues, both teams scored in only one of those matches. For the upcoming match between Málaga and Villarreal, the odds now slightly favor a victory for the visitors.
Malaga – Villarreal Pick
Coach Juan Francisco Funes’s home team, the “Blanquiazules,” haven’t won yet this season and have been disappointing offensively with the second-lowest goal tally behind Valencia, but they’re now counting on home-field advantage and the timing of the match. The hosts have yet to lose at home, and the visitors will be a bit tired, as they played against Betis Sevilla last Monday night in the final match of the previous matchday.
Furthermore, the visiting team—which finished third last season—is performing just as poorly as the hosts. Both teams are still waiting for their first win this season, and the visitors haven’t even earned a point in three straight matchdays. With that in mind, for this clash between Málaga and Villarreal, we’re selecting betting odds on a home win or a draw.
