Villarreal vs Espanyol Preview: Team News & Prediction
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This one has the potential to be quite an entertaining encounter for the neutral as Villarreal take on Espanyol in what is a rearranged clash due to a postponement in early March.
Kick-off date/time: Sunday 27th April, 2025: UK – 3:15pm / US ET – 10:15am / US PT – 7:15am
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so Villarreal vs Espanyol may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN+
Villarreal Preview: Entertaining Yellow Submarine
Coached by former Olympique de Marseille and Valencia boss Marcelino, Villarreal have been entertaining to watch throughout the campaign with their 32 La Liga matches consisting of 110 goals as they chase UEFA Champions League qualification.
In midweek they fell behind Real Betis in the race for a top five finish because of a surprise hammering at the hands of Celta Vigo at Balaidos in Galicia due to goals scored by Fer Lopez, Borja Iglesias and Iago Aspas after Eric Bailly was red carded.
Espanyol Preview: In-form Espanyol
Espanyol have been fighting against relegation throughout the campaign and that was always expected to be the case because of their manager who guided them to promotion last season, Luis Garcia, departing for the Qatari national team last summer.
However, under the management of B team coach Manolo Gonzalez, the Catalans have been much-improved as they push themselves away from the bottom three and the relegation places, most recently sharing a 1-1 draw with Valencia at Mestalla in midweek.
Villarreal Team News: Bailly suspended
Former Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly is now missing through suspension for this weekend, following his aforementioned red card the other day. They also have some key injury doubts such as Raul Albiol, Alex Baena and Gerard Moreno.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Junior; Kiko Femenia, Costa, Kambwala, Alfonso; Yeremy Pino, Santi Comesana, Gueye, Denis Suarez; Pepe, Barry
Unavailable: Bailly (Suspended), Akhomach (Injured)
Questionable: Raul Albiol (Injured), Alex Baena (Injured), Gerard (Injured)
Espanyol Team News: A few doubts
Ahead of the trip to El Madrigal this weekend, Espanyol have no fresh injury concerns or suspension issues but they do have a few doubts for this one, though, such as Brian Olivan, Sergi Gomez and Jose Gragera.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; El Hilali, Kumbulla, Leandro Cabrera, Carlos Romero; Urko Gonzalez, Pol Lozano; Jofre Carreras, Edu Exposito, Javi Puado; Roberto Fernandez
Unavailable:
Questionable: Brian Olivan (Injured), Sergi Gomez (Injured), Jose Gragera (Injured)
Villarreal vs Espanyol Prediction
Villarreal have been extremely entertaining to watch throughout the campaign with an excellent style of football and they are expected to get on the front foot as they try to reignite their challenge for a top five finish in La Liga. They now face an Espanyol side that have been entertaining to watch themselves as they come into this one on the back of a five-match unbeaten run of form and both teams scoring would look a good bet for this one in Castellon.
Villarreal vs Espanyol Tip: Both teams to score
