Valencia takes on Villarreal ag the Estadio Mestalla this Friday in the Spanish top-flight. With the away side looking to secure Europe, we expect to see a highly-competitive matchup. Read on for our expert tips and predictions.

Both teams have pretty much cancelled each other out in recent seasons with two wins each in the last four games. Villarreal turned out to be 2-1 winners in the reverse game with ex-Valencia man Pareto scoring the winner.

Tough season for Valencia

Valencia have had quite a rough season in the Spanish top division as they currently sit in the bottom half of the standings. A win in their last four league games, given that they would want to get into the top half before the end of the season, isn’t noteworthy. In their most recent game, they were beaten by Getafe 3-0 in a game where Diakhaby saw red. How well will they perform as they go up against a side that’s vying to the Europa League?

Europa League hopes still very much alive

The Yellow submarine would be careful not to slip up from here on as that could cause both Betis and Sociedad to pull away. That 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid over the weekend means they’re now winless in seven league games. As such, things will need to change, and fast, if they’re to dream of playing in the Europa League next season.

Valencia vs Villarreal Team News

Diakhaby is expected to be unavailable for the hosts following his red card last time out. Cheryshev and Puccini represent the home side’s injured players. With regards to the away side, Iborra, Moreno and Coquelin are both ruled out via injury.

Valencia posssible starting XI:

Cillessen; Gaya, Paulista, Guillamon, Correia; Wass, Soler, Racic, Guedes; Vallejo, Lee

Villarreal possible starting XI:

Asenjo; Pedraza, Torres, Albion, Foyth; Parejo, Capoue, Trigueros; Chukwueze, Gomez, Moreno

Valencia vs Villarreal Prediction: 1-2

Both sides appear evenly matched on paper and will both to at each other fearlessly. Villarreal isn’t at their best at the moment but Valencia has had the worst of it this season. as such, we would be in favour of a narrow away win this Friday.