A huge match on the La Liga schedule at both ends of the La Liga standings takes place on Thursday. Villarreal’s European dreams hang in the balance after suffering back-to-back defeats, but they could move up to fifth in the standings with a win this week.
Meanwhile, Espanyol will desperately be craving maximum points to enhance their La Liga ranking, as they currently sit second-bottom. You can find the latest Villarreal vs Espanyol odds here.
Villarreal vs. Espanyol Odds
The Villarreal vs Espanyol odds show the hosts as the clear favorites at -175. An Espanyol victory is unfancied at +500, while the draw is also an unlikely outcome according to the La Liga odds at +300.
Goals are expected in this fixture, with over 2.5 match goals available at -125. Meanwhile, both teams to score is currently priced up at -110.
Villarreal vs. Espanyol Information
Villarreal vs Espanyol
Location of the Game: El Madrigal, Villarreal, Spain.
Date and Time: Thursday, April 27, 2023. 1:30 PM ET.
How to Watch: ESPN+
Villarreal vs. Espanyol Betting Preview
Villarreal
It would be fair to say that Villarreal’s season is at somewhat of a crossroads at this stage. The Spanish side remains sixth in the standings, but they could be replaced in the European spots if they fail to pick up maximum points on Thursday.
They come into this match after losing each of their previous two matches in the league, which came after winning three on the bounce.
Villarreal’s home record in this fixture won’t give too much confidence for those backing the favorite, as they have landed just one win in four attempts at El Madrigal against Espanyol.
They have suffered defeats in each of their previous two, with their most recent home defeat coming against Real Valladolid. They have already lost back-to-back games at home this calendar year, meaning that there will be pressure on the home side against Espanyol on Thursday.
Espanyol
There will also be pressure on Espanyol coming into this game on the road, as their status in the top-flight is far from assured. They currently sit 19th in the overall standings, and they are two points adrift from safety.
Espanyol’s recent form would be a massive concern, as they are winless across their last five. But, they did end a losing sequence in their most recent match, as they held Cadiz to a 0-0 draw.
However, they do have a fine recent record against teams from the Valencia region, as they have won on four of their last eight visits. But, they have failed to win in their last eight matches played on a Thursday in La Liga.
Espanyol have been short in front of goal in recent weeks, as they have scored just twice in their last three. Meanwhile, they will need to sharpen up defensively, as they have allowed the second-most goals in La Liga after 30 rounds of fixtures.
Villarreal vs. Espanyol Betting Picks
The Villarreal vs Espanyol odds don’t offer much value for this La Liga showdown, as the hosts do appear to be the most likely winner. But, their home record in 2023 does offer room for encouragement.
Espanyol hasn’t looked like winning in recent weeks, but they do have a positive recent record against teams from the Valencia region.
We could expect this match to be a lot tighter than the betting suggests, and goals could be in short supply.
For that reason, a bet on under 2.5 goals and Villarreal to win 1-0 could be a likely outcome.
- Pick 1: Villarreal to win 1-0 (+600)
- Pick 2: Under 2.5 Goals (+100)
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