Villarreal will take on Elche on Sunday, 8 March, in a match that will have an impact on both ends of the La Liga table.
The hosts come into the match in fourth position, and with a comfortable eight-point lead over Real Betis in fifth spot, the Yellow Submarine are targeting Atletico Madrid in third.
Elche, meanwhile, are right in the thick of the relegation battle at the opposite end of the table. A defeat here would see them drop into the bottom if Real Mallorca can beat Osasuna.
As part of this week's round of La Liga betting tips, which are provided in accordance with the odds on Bet365, check out our Villarreal vs Elche prediction below.
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Villarreal vs Elche prediction: Hosts to win comfortably
Key stats
- Three of Villarreal's last four home La Liga victories have been by a margin of two goals or more.
- Elche have lost four of their last six La Liga matches and are yet to win one in 2026.
- Both teams have scored in four of the last six meetings between Villarreal and Elche.
Correct score prediction: Villarreal 3-1 Elche
This was the scoreline when the two teams met earlier in the campaign, and a similar or identical result this time around is very much on the cards. The hosts have rediscovered some form over the past month, while Elche cannot buy a win.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Villarreal go in as odds-on favourites
- HOME: 1/2 (1.50) – 66.7%
- DRAW: 7/2 (4.50) – 22.2%
- AWAY: 5/1 (6.00) – 16.7%
*odds from bet365, subject to change
The Villarreal vs Elche odds are a little surprising in that the visitors have been given more of a chance than anticipated. Bet365 have given Villarreal a 66.7% chance of winning the match, while Elche have been given a 16.7% chance of victory.
We have more free betting tips for today to help you out with the best possible selections.
Most recent H2Hs: A clash for whoever is hosting
Four of the last five matches between Villarreal and Elche have gone the way of whichever side has been playing at home. The only exception was this season's reverse fixture, which the Yellow Submarine won by three goals to one.
Spain La Liga 03/01/26
Elche
Villarreal
Spain La Liga 04/02/23
Elche
Villarreal
Spain La Liga 04/09/22
Villarreal
Elche
Spain La Liga 16/01/22
Elche
Villarreal
Spain La Liga 22/09/21
Villarreal
Elche
Villarreal preview: A defensive injury crisis
Villarreal are having to deal with injuries to three first-team defenders at present, with Juan Foyth, Willy Kambwala and Logan Costa all in the treatment room. Further up the pitch, Pau Cabanes has also been ruled out, while Gerard Moreno will have to pass a late fitness test.
Predicted lineup: Luiz Junior (GK), Mourino, Navarro, Veiga, Pedraza, Pepe, Comesana, Gueye, Moleiro, Mikautadze, Perez
Last five matches
- 28/02/26: Barcelona 4-1 Villarreal (La Liga)
- 22/02/26: Villarreal 2-1 Valencia (La Liga)
- 18/02/26: Levante 0-1 Villarreal (La Liga)
- 14/02/26: Getafe 2-1 Villarreal (La Liga)
- 09/02/26: Villarreal 4-1 Espanyol (La Liga)
Elche preview: A boost between the sticks
Elche are yet to taste victory in 2026, and if they are to put an end to that this weekend, then they will have to do so without Yago Santiago, due to suspension, and Hector Fort and Pedro Bigas due to injuries.
Predicted lineup: Dituro (GK), Petrot, Affengruber, Chust, Valera, Morente, Febas, Aguado, Cepeda, A Silva, Mir
Last five matches
- 01/03/26: Elche 2-2 Espanyol (La Liga)
- 20/02/26: Athletic Bilbao 2-1 Elche (La Liga)
- 13/02/26: Elche 0-0 Osasuna (La Liga)
- 07/02/26: Real Sociedad 3-1 Elche (La Liga)
- 31/01/26: Elche 1-3 Barcelona (La Liga)
Player to watch: Ayoze Perez
Ayoze Perez is enduring a season to forget in a yellow shirt, and he only has a chance of starting on Sunday because of injuries to other key forwards in the squad. The former Newcastle man only has two La Liga goals to his name so far this season and is now playing for his place in next season's squad.