Valencia is facing another challenging start to their season, currently positioned 14th with a record of 2 wins, 3 draws, and 4 losses. In contrast, Villarreal has enjoyed a stronger start, sitting in the top three with a record of 5 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses, trailing only Real Madrid and Barcelona.
However, Villarreal’s momentum has faded recently, as they are without a win in their last four matches. Adding to their challenges, they come off a demanding Champions League match against Manchester City, in which they were defeated, likely leaving them fatigued.
Both teams have struggled defensively, ranking in the bottom half of expected goals against (xGA) in La Liga. Valencia has conceded 14 goals, making them one of the worst in the league, while Villarreal has allowed 10. Notably, the latter has suffered from a worrying trend, conceding two or more goals in four consecutive matches across all competitions.
The upcoming Valencia derby, known as the Derbi de la Comunitat, has a history of low-scoring affairs, with bets on Under 2.5 goals benefiting bettors in five of the last six encounters. Nevertheless, there has also been a trend of both teams finding the back of the net in five of those six matchups, with last year’s two meetings finishing in 1-1 draws.
Valencia may appear to be the less dominant side, but they hold a strong advantage in home meetings with Villarreal, remaining unbeaten in their last eight encounters. Given the defensive vulnerabilities of both teams, it is anticipated that both sides will score in the upcoming match on Saturday. This rivalry match promises to be competitive, with the potential for unexpected outcomes as both teams aim to improve their standings.