On Thursday evening, Rapid Vienna host out-of-sorts Villarreal in the Europa League, as the Spanish side looks to cement their position in the top two of Group G.
Rapid Vienna have enjoyed mixed fortunes so far the competition, but have picked up just three points this season in the group, having won once and suffered two defeats.
Last time out in this competition the Austrian side suffered a 5-0 drubbing in the reverse fixture. The defeat means the home side has now suffered defeats in three of their last four matches in this competition.
Rapid’s recent games in the Europa League have been high scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in six of their last seven outings in the competition. The fact the home side have conceded at least two goals in three of their last four games in the competition has contributed to those high scoring games.
The Austrian side has a good recent home record in the Europa League, as they are unbeaten in six home outings, having recorded three straight wins.
Villarreal have endured a poor start to their campaign and the aforementioned win over Thursday night’s opponents is their only victory in eight games in all competitions.
The victory also ended a five-game winless run in the Europa League consisting of three draws and two defeats. The Spanish side are now unbeaten in three games in European football though, as they recorded draws against Rangers and Spartak Moscow in their previous group games before beating Rapid.
The visitor’s recent Europa League games have been high scoring, with over 2.5 goals scored in four of their last five games.
Despite their problems this season, the Yellow Submarine have lost just once in nine outings in this competition on their travels.
Forebet predicts that the visitors will record a victory in a high scoring encounter to enhance their chances of topping the group.