Villarreal is set to welcome Real Betis to La Cerámica in a critical encounter as both teams aim to solidify their positions in the Champions League spots. Currently, Villarreal sits in third place, while Betis occupies the fourth, with just a single point separating the two clubs. This match highlights Villarreal’s impressive home record, having won all of their league games played at home so far this season, against a Betis side that remains unbeaten on the road through the first eight matches of the league.
Chilean manager Manuel Pellegrini leads Betis into this vital matchup, fully aware of the significance of securing points against a direct competitor for European qualification. Pellegrini’s squad is almost at full strength, with only Isco Alarcón sidelined due to injury. However, the forward Cédrick Bakambu will miss the match after arriving late from international duty, leaving Pellegrini with 24 players to choose from as he makes his final cuts.
Pellegrini has regained Moroccan international Sofyan Amrabat, who missed the last match against Espanyol due to an issue sustained in a Europa League game. Though Amrabat was focused on international duty, he has trained normally and is expected to play. Alongside him, the central defensive duo of Marc Bartra and Diego Llorente should be available, although their form has been under evaluation given the strong performances of Brazilian Natan de Souza and Argentine Valentín Gómez.
In midfield, Amrabat will anchor the defensive setup next to Marc Roca, while other options include Sergi Altimira and Colombian Nelson Deossa, now recovered from an ankle injury. Pablo Fornals is likely to operate as an attacking midfielder instead of Giovani Lo Celso, enhancing his chances of impacting the game since he previously played for Villarreal before moving to England.
Flanking the attacking front will be Brazilian Antony Dos Santos and Moroccan Ez Abde, while Cucho Hernández is set to lead the line following Bakambu’s omission. Pellegrini insists that this match, while important, should not be viewed as a deciding factor for European qualification; rather, claiming three points would prevent Villarreal from earning points as well.
Villarreal has confirmed several absences, including Logan Costa, Willy Kambwala, Juan Foyth, and Santiago Mouriño, who is suspended after his expulsion in the last match. The team awaits the late arrivals of international players Nicolás Pepe and Pape Gueye, who have only trained once with the squad. Ahead of the final training session, it appears manager Marcelino may welcome back forwards Gerard Moreno and Ayoze Pérez, along with young Pau Navarro returning after participation in the Under-20 World Cup.
In a press conference, Pellegrini regarded the match against Villarreal as a “duel against a direct rival,” emphasizing the importance of winning to deny their opponent essential points. He noted that while it is a crucial game, projecting this result’s impact on the season, which concludes in May, can be misleading. Pellegrini is determined to maintain the positive trajectory his team has exhibited since he joined the club five years ago, despite having lost significant players over time.
With the probable line-ups confirmed, all eyes will be on La Cerámica as both teams aim to bolster their European ambitions with a crucial victory.
Probable Line-ups:
Villarreal: Arnau Tenas, Pau Navarro, Rafa Marín, Renato Veiga, Cardona; Comesaña, Parejo, Buchanan, Moleiro; Mikautadze, Nicolás Pepe.
Real Betis: Paul López; Bellerín, Natan, Valentín, Ricardo; Amrabat, Marc Roca; Antony, Fornals, Abde; Cucho Hernández.
Referee: Francisco José Hernández
Stadium: La Cerámica
Kick-off: 18:30.
This match promises to be an exciting showcase of skill and determination, with both teams eager to maximize their chances for European football.