Quique Sanchez Flores’ Alaves era began with a crushing stoppage-time defeat at Valencia.
Now winless in six, the hosts will hope to halt their freefall and prevent slipping into the relegation zone this weekend when they host a Villarreal side that won three of their previous four games.
Ahead of Friday's trip to Estadio de Mendizorroza, Villarreal are on a quest to secure a top-four finish and lock down an automatic spot in next season's Champions League.
Read our Alaves vs Villarreal prediction, preview and betting tips with odds from bet365. You can also check out our Today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
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Alaves vs Villarreal key stats
- Deportivo Alaves are without a win in six consecutive matches across all competitions.
- At least three goals were scored in seven of Villarreal's last eight games.
- Both teams were on the scoresheet in 12 of the last 14 clashes between these sides.
Alaves vs Villarreal preview: Can Alaves turn their fortunes around?
| Alaves | vs | Villarreal |
|---|---|---|
| 16th | Position | 4th |
| 27 | Points | 54 |
| 25 | Goals For | 50 |
| 37 | Goals Against | 32 |
| 3 | Clean Sheets | 8 |
| 14th | Home Rank | 3rd |
| 17th | Away Rank | 4th |
Deportivo Alaves have gone from a mid-table team to a relegation-threatened side in just over a month. They were comfortably sitting in the middle of the pack at the end of January, but a five-game winless streak in La Liga has left them just two points above the relegation zone.
On the positive side, there were clear signs of improvement under Flores last weekend. Alaves looked more organised and led for over 60 minutes at Mestalla, though a chaotic late surge from Valencia ultimately snatched the points away.
Four red cards were awarded in Alaves’ last four matches.
The hosts will have Jon Pacheco and Ander Guevara suspended for this game after both players were sent off for two bookable offences against Valencia.
They could also be without captain Carlos Benavidez, who suffered a first-half injury in that game, with Youssef Lekhedim likely an option to step in at the heart of the defence.
Villarreal, on the other hand, are coming off a 2-1 victory over local rivals Elche. Marcelino's men have enjoyed some fine form of late, with three victories in their last four La Liga outings.
Deportivo Alaves have committed the most fouls per game in La Liga this season.
It is worth mentioning, however, that the Yellow Submarine have had an abysmal run of results on the road, having won only one of their last six away games across all competitions (D1, L4).
Marcelino will be unable to call upon the services of Juan Foyth and Pau Cabanes for the remainder of the season, as both players are ruled out with tendon injuries.
At the time of writing, four players will also need further assessment to know their final status for Friday, including Logan Costa, Willy Kambwala, Pau Navarro, and Ayoze Perez.
Alaves vs Villarreal form guide & betting tips
| Alaves | vs | Villarreal |
|---|---|---|
| L-D-D-L-L | Form | L-W-W-L-W |
| 2 | Points | 9 |
| 18 | Form Table | 8 |
| 5 | Goals For | 7 |
| 10 | Goals Against | 8 |
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Whispers Predicts: Alaves 1-2 Villarreal
At 2.22, Villarreal are priced as favourites by bet365, and having earned nine points from their last four matches, we believe they will emerge victorious here.
The Yellow Submarine’s last three wins were by one-goal margins, and their last two victories ended 2-1. This correct score can be backed at 9.10
It is also worth mentioning that both teams were on the scoresheet in six of Alaves' last eight matches, six of Villarreal's last seven games, and in 12 of the last 14 H2Hs.
On that note, a BTTS - Yes bet seems like good value at 1.84.
> BTTS - Yes at 1.84 | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 2.5 goals at 2.05 | Likelihood: Probable
> Match result - Villarreal at 2.22 | Likelihood: Possible
> Villarreal & BTTS - Yes at 4.50 | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct score: 1-2 at 9.10 | Likelihood: Outsider