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All eyes will be on the Bernabeu when Real Madrid host Villarreal in the eighth round of La Liga on Saturday night.
Los Blancos will try to keep their 100% home record intact as they look to bounce back from their disappointing Madrid derby defeat.
Villarreal, meanwhile, are eyeing a third consecutive victory.
Read our Real Madrid vs Villarreal prediction, preview and betting tips below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Real Madrid vs Villarreal key stats
- Seven of the last nine H2Hs featured goals at both ends.
- Real Madrid have won four consecutive clashes between these sides.
- Four of Villarreal's last five outings produced at least four goals.
Real Madrid vs Villarreal preview: Can the visitors hold their own?
Real Madrid vs Villarreal — Tale of the Tape
| Real Madrid | vs | Villarreal |
|---|---|---|
| 4th | Position | 9th |
| 15 | Points | 8 |
| 18 | Goals For | 13 |
| 8 | Goals Against | 12 |
| 1 | Clean Sheets | 0 |
| 3rd | Home / Away Rank | 7th |
*These figures were accurate at the time of publishing.
Real Madrid were beaten 2-1 by local rivals Atletico Madrid just before the international break in a game they finished with 10 men.
With five wins and two defeats in seven league outings, Los Blancos are now fourth in the Spanish top flight, six points behind leaders Barcelona.
On the positive side, both defeats have come on the road, and Jose Mourinho's troops have a perfect home record across all competitions this season, with four wins in as many games.
The Portuguese manager is expected to make some tactical changes in central defence following Dean Huijsen’s suspension and the long-term leg injury absence of Raul Asencio. Antonio Rudiger is expected to fill the gap alongside Ibrahima Konate at the heart of Los Blancos' defence for this game.
Eder Militao and Rodrygo Goes have made significant steps towards full fitness following their long-term injury layoffs, but the Brazilians are not expected to get minutes on Saturday. Kylian Mbappe (knee discomfort) and Federico Valverde (ankle sprain) could both miss out on Saturday.
On the other hand, Villarreal are coming off a 3-1 victory over neighbours Levante.
The visiting team's fortunes have improved over the course of the season, as they were winless in their first six matches in all competitions but have won back-to-back games since.
Inigo Perez's side have no major injury concerns ahead of their trip to the capital, although Ilias Akhomach (muscle) and Tajon Buchanan (hamstring) will both need a final assessment to confirm their availability.
Additionally, Santi Comesana and Juan Foyth are both back in team training after injury layoffs and should be available for selection.
The Yellow Submarine have lost four consecutive clashes between these outfits and are winless in the last six H2Hs (D1, L5).
Real Madrid vs Villarreal form guide & betting tips
| Real Madrid | vs | Villarreal |
|---|---|---|
W
L
W
W
L
|
La Liga Form |
L
L
L
W
W
|
| 9 | Points | 6 |
| 5th | Form Table | 12th |
| 12 | Goals For | 9 |
| 6 | Goals Against | 8 |
L
W
W
W
L
|
Form (All Comps) |
L
L
L
W
W
|
Whispers Predicts: Real Madrid 3-1 Villarreal
Priced at 9/20 (1.45), Real Madrid are considered favourites by the bookmakers ahead of this encounter.
Not only have Los Blancos won all their home games this season, but they have also scored at least four goals in each of their three league matches at the Bernabeu. Considering their winning streak against Villarreal, we are confident that the hosts will claim all the spoils after 90 minutes.
There were at least 11 corners in five of Real Madrid's last seven outings and this can be backed at 17/20 (1.85).
We also fancy over 3.5 total goals at 7/10 (1.70), as was the case in four of the visiting team's last five fixtures.
> Over 3.5 total goals at 7/10 (1.70) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 1/2 (1.50) | Likelihood: Probable
> HT result: Draw at 21/10 (3.10) | Likelihood: Possible
> Real Madrid & BTTS – Yes at 23/20 (2.15) | Likelihood: Probable
> Correct Score: 3-1 at 9/1 (10.00) | Likelihood: Outsider