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Recommended bets
[RECOMMENDED_BETS]
The last three meetings between these two have all produced home wins, including a thumping 5-2 victory for Villarreal in December. None of their last 12 encounters have produced draws, dating back to 2005.
Under 2.5 goals is 10/11.
Joselu is 9/2 to break the deadlock and 7/5 to add to his tally.
Arnaut Danjuma is 4/1 to open the scoring and 5/4 to net anytime.
Match preview
This game comes in-between the two legs of their Champions League semi-final, so will Villarreal be able to focus on domestic matters?
On Wednesday night, el Submarino Amarillo were at Anfield for their first appearance in the Champions League’s last four since 2006.
At the other end, Liverpool scored twice in as many minutes early in the second half, the first a very fluky own goal the flew off Pervis Estupiñán.
But, just 2-0 down, they’re still very much in the tie with the return match at Estadio de la Cerámica on Tuesday.
Back in La Liga, Villarreal are far from guaranteed to be in any sort of UEFA competition next season.
Last time out, Arnaut Danjuma’s early brace helped them beat Valencia 2-0 in Derbi de la Comunitat.
So, Villarreal remain seventh, four points above Athletic Club and three points behind Real Sociedad.
Following last weekend’s Copa del Rey Final, it’s now confirmed that seventh will secure a Europa Conference League play-off round place.
At the other end of the table, time might be running out for Deportivo Alavés to save themselves.
In their last outing, 11 days ago, Julio Velázquez’s side were beaten 2-1 at Son Moix by relegation rivals Mallorca.
This means, under different Head Coaches, Alavés have lost five of their last six, only beating Rayo Vallecano since mid-February.
So, el Glorioso are now rock bottom of the table, six points from safety.
Can the home side claim three massive points at Mendizorrotza?
Deportivo Alavés team news
As ever, Joselu is key to Alavés’ chances.
He’s scored 13 times in La Liga this season, 50% of all of his teams goals.
At the back, Víctor Laguardia will continue to be partnered by Florian Lejeune.
Villarreal team news
Earlier this month, Unai Emery made 11 changes for the La Liga game in-between their two legs against Bayern; a respectable 1-1 draw with Athletic.
So, don’t be surprised if he does the same here with even Sergio Asenjo getting a run out and goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli rested.
Other players who would come in include Serge Aurier, Mario Gaspar, Vicente Iborra, Yeremy, Moi Gómez, Boulaye Dia and Paco Alcácer.
Samuel Chukwueze was Wednesday night’s surprise started but, if he’s to start the second leg too, don’t expect the Nigerian to feature here.
La Liga table:
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