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All eyes will be on Estadio de la Ceramica when two of La Liga's top four teams battle for supremacy on Sunday.
Villarreal are coming off back-to-back defeats and will set their sights on a top-three finish for the first time since the 2007/08 season.
Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, are eyeing their third consecutive victory.
Read our Villarreal vs Atletico Madrid prediction, preview and betting tips below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Villarreal vs Atletico Madrid key stats
- Five of the last six encounters between these sides produced goals at both ends.
- The spoils were shared in three of the last four H2Hs at this stadium.
- At least five cards were awarded in six of the last seven skirmishes between these outfits.
Villarreal vs Atletico Madrid preview: Another stalemate on the cards?
Villarreal vs Atletico Madrid — Tale of the Tape
| Villarreal | vs | Atletico Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd | Position | 4th |
| 69 | Points | 69 |
| 67 | Goals For | 61 |
| 45 | Goals Against | 39 |
| 8 | Clean Sheets | 14 |
| 4th | Home / Away Rank | 7th |
*These figures were accurate at the time of publishing.
Villarreal suffered a 2-0 defeat against Rayo Vallecano last weekend, extending their winless run to three matches.
The Yellow Submarine have been one of the best home teams in La Liga this season, winning 14 of their 18 league matches at this stadium. Marcelino's troops have six wins in their last seven home games, averaging almost three goals in that stretch.
As has been the case in recent months, Villarreal will be without the services of Juan Foyth and Pau Cabanes due to long-term ligament injuries.
Following a one-game suspension against Rayo Vallecano, Renato Veiga will return to the squad for Sunday's game. However, doubts linger regarding the availability of Gerard Moreno and Santi Comesana, as both players have fitness concerns.
On the other hand, Atletico Madrid's 1-0 victory over Girona last weekend was their second in a row. Prior to that, they had lost back-to-back fixtures without scoring.
As things stand, Atletico Madrid are tied on points with third-placed Villarreal. Although both teams are guaranteed a place in the UEFA Champions League next season, the victor of this clash will secure a top-three finish.
Interestingly, Diego Simeone's troops are unbeaten in their last six meetings with Villarreal and have lost only once in the last 15 H2Hs.
The visitors have a long list of injured players, including Johnny Cardoso, Julian Alvarez, Jose Maria Gimenez, Nicolas Gonzalez, Nahuel Molina, Rodrigo Mendoza, and Pablo Barrios. Robin Le Normand is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards, while Marcos Llorente is back in the squad after serving a one-match ban.
It is also worth mentioning that Antoine Griezmann will feature for the last time for Atleti in this meeting, closing what has been a ten-year-long service for the capital club across two separate stints.
Villarreal vs Atletico Madrid form guide & betting tips
| Villarreal | vs | Atletico Madrid |
|---|---|---|
W
W
D
L
L
|
Form |
W
W
L
W
W
|
| 7 | Points | 12 |
| 10th | Form Table | 2nd |
| 10 | Goals For | 8 |
| 8 | Goals Against | 4 |
W
W
D
L
L
|
Form (All Comps) |
W
L
L
W
W
|
Whispers Predicts: Villarreal 2-2 Atletico Madrid
At 2.49, Villarreal are considered favourites by the bookmakers.
However, despite being one of the best home teams in the Spanish top flight this campaign, the Yellow Submarine have won only one of the last 15 H2Hs.
Keeping in mind that five of the last nine encounters between these sides ended in stalemates, we fancy a draw at 3.84.
Furthermore, three of Atletico Madrid's last four trips to this stadium ended 2-2, and this exact result can be backed at 10.50.
> Over 3.5 total goals at 2.25 | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 1.46 | Likelihood: Probable
> Match result: Draw at 3.84 | Likelihood: Possible
> Draw & BTTS – Yes at 4.10 | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct Score: 2-2 at 10.50 | Likelihood: Outsider