Villarreal travel to Sevilla in La Liga this weekend, with fourth playing fifth as the two teams look to continue their surge for a Champions League spot.

Last time these two teams met, Villarreal came out on top winning 2-1 at the Estadio El Marigal. Goals from defender Mario Gaspar and striker Cedric Bakambu, ensured Villarreal secured the three points against Sevilla. Fernando Llorente came on from the bench and six minutes later gave the away side a consolation goal.

Form

Sevilla started the season off very poorly, however in the last three to four months they have been on fine form. From the beginning of December to the middle of February, the Los Blanquirrojos have lost one game, managing 16 wins.

The danger man to look out for is Kevin Gameiro, the Frenchman has racked up 13 goals and three assists so far this season. The forward has also got two Man of the Match awards to his name too. Sevilla have the third best home record in the league, winning 12 out of their 14 games and only losing two.

Villarreal have been fantastic this season, have the fourth most wins in the league and the second best defensive record after Atletico Madrid. The El Submarino Amarillo have only lost five games, but have drawn a lot of games this season. Villarreal’s form away hasn’t been impressive, winning four of the 14 games played. Villarreal have picked up 18 points out of 39, not good enough. The main man to look out for from the expected line-up is Cedric Bakambu, the attacker has eight goals and three assists in 25 appearances.

Team News

Unai Emery’s side will hopefully be carrying on playing in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Goalkeeper Sergio Rico will most likely play, despite not being used in the club’s Europa League game against Basel. Midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak is on his way to full fitness.  

Winger Vitolo has an injury problem, will most likely see Jose Antonio Reyes replacing him. Defenders Marco Andreolli and Nicolas Pareja will definitely not make it for the game on Sunday due to injury.

Sevilla predicted line-up (4-2-3-1): Rico, Mariano, Rami, Kolodziejczak, Tremoulinas, N’Zonzi, Carrico, Reyes, Banega, Krohn-Dehli, Gameiro.

Marcelino Garcia Toral's side will be expected to make a few changes to the Villarreal side that beat Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday. First of all, striker Roberto Soldado will not feature in the game because he will miss it due to suspension. Defender Jaume Costa will miss the game due to an ankle injury, whilst centre-back Mateo Musacchio is still regaining full fitness before he starts again. Midfielder Samuel is still out with a broken foot, who is expected to return next month and Jonathan Dos Santos should be returning from injury around the same time as Samuel.

Villarreal predicted line-up (4-4-2): Areola, Mario, Bonera, Ruiz, Bailly, Suarez, Trigueros, Bruno, Castillejo, Bakambu, Baptistao.

What to expect?

The game will be very tight, both teams have a really good defensive record in La Liga, could expect a draw for the match.

Villarreal will be looking to consistently play on the counter attack and are really good at protecting the lead. Meanwhile the home side Sevilla, they will definitely be looking to attack through the wings and make most out of the set pieces. 

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