# | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3 |
Villarreal
|
8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 14 | 8 | +6 | 16 |
4 |
Real Betis
|
8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 8 | +5 | 15 |
Villarreal's current form shows a clear home/away dichotomy. The team has recorded four wins in four home matches in La Liga with an aggregate score of 10:1. However, away from home, the Yellow Submarine has lost two of their four matches, including a 0:2 defeat to Atlético Madrid. Their last five games across all competitions show three wins and two losses, with both defeats coming on the road. Real Betis is on a run of three consecutive wins in competitive matches, including a confident 3:1 victory over Real Sociedad. Away from home, Manuel Pellegrini's side remains unbeaten in La Liga: one win and three draws in four matches. The team's form appears more stable in recent rounds.
The league table shows a minimal gap, with Betis trailing Villarreal by just one point. Both teams demonstrate solid performances in attack and defense: Villarreal has 14 scored and 8 conceded, while Betis has 13 scored and 8 conceded. The key statistical difference is Villarreal's perfect home record: 4 wins, 10:1. At their Estadio de la Cerámica, the Submarine averages 2.5 goals per game and concedes just 0.25. Betis shows pragmatism on their travels: 6 scored and 5 conceded, demonstrating an ability to score and avoid defeat. Head-to-head matches reveal a persistent trend: in the last three encounters, the away team has always won, with both teams scoring and at least three goals being netted in each game.
Tactically, Villarreal, playing at home, will look to dominate possession and control the game, leveraging their strength at the Estadio de la Cerámica. The team relies on a high press and quick attacks, which are particularly effective in home fixtures. However, their defensive line can be vulnerable to counter-attacks, as evidenced by their away losses. Real Betis is likely to adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on counter-pressing and quick transitions. Their unbeaten away run speaks to a well-organized defense and an ability to play from the back. The squad possesses the quality to create threats from set-pieces and quick raids by their attacking full-backs. The key battle could be in midfield, where Betis will attempt to disrupt the hosts' rhythm.
Given Villarreal's impeccable home stats and their motivation to maintain their home dominance, they hold a clear advantage. However, Betis's unbeaten away streak and their current confidence suggest the hosts will not have an easy victory. Historical encounters, where the visiting team consistently found success and always scored, indicate that Betis is capable of hitting back. Villarreal is expected to control the game and create more chances, but their defense might concede. A home win with a goal from the visitors is forecast. Recommended outcome: Home Win. Predicted score: 2:1.