On Monday night, Villarreal has a chance to consolidate their position in La Liga’s top-six, as the Yellow Submarine welcome Athletic Bilbao to the Estadio de la Ceramica.
The home side are enjoying another very steady campaign in the Spanish top-flight, as they currently sit sixth place in the table in one of the Europa League spots. However, seventh place Sevilla are just a point behind, having also played a game more than Javi Calleja’s side.
Despite being in the top-six for much of the campaign, the Yellow Submarine’s recent form has been highly inconsistent. The fact that they have lost three and won two of their last five outings in La Liga illustrates that fact perfectly.
Villarreal’s recent La Liga games have been tight, as six of their last seven games have produced under 2.5 goals.
Even their usual strong home form has slightly dipped of late in La Liga, as they have lost two of their last four games in the Spanish top-flight.
Last time out in the league, the home side suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat at struggling Malaga. Calleja’s side will be keen to bounce back from that defeat as quickly as possible.
Athletic have endured a topsy-turvy campaign so far this season in La Liga. The Basque side are currently sitting 12th in the table, having won just twice in their last 12 outings in the Spanish top-flight.
Last time out in La Liga, Jose Angel Ziganda’s team drew 1-1 with Celta Vigo at San Mames. The result means that Athletic’s last five games in the Spanish top-flight have produced under 2.5 goals.
The visitors have been poor on their travels of late in La Liga, failing to win in their last six outings on the road, while also suffering four consecutive defeats on their travels in La Liga.
Forebet predicts that Villarreal will record a potentially vital victory in a low scoring game to aid their chances of a top-six finish this season.