Camp El Madrigal — Villarreal
Team News
Villarreal
Villarreal remain in a battle to survive after they suffered their first
defeat under Miguel Ángel Lotina to Real Betis at the weekend. The
Yellow Submarine are just four points ahead of Zaragoza in 18th with
seven games to go. Nilmar should return to the starting line-up having only appeared as a
substitute against Betis with the suspended Ángel dropping out of the
three who played behind Marco Ruben in attack.
Christian Zapata also returns from suspension and he is expected to
retake his place in central defence with Gonzalo dropping to the bench.
probable lineups : López, Oriol, Musacchio, Zapata, Gaspar, Brunno, Senna, Nilmar, Valero, Cani, Ruben. (4-2-3-1).
Malaga
Málaga moved up into third place for only the second time this season as
they defeated 10-man Racing Santander 3-0 on Monday night. Manuel Pellegrini's side now hold a one point advantage over Valencia,
with Levante a further point back in the race for a Champions League
place. Martin Demichelis misses out after picking up his fifth booking of the
season against Racing so Duda or Nacho Camacho will come in to partner
Enzo Maresca in central midfield.
probable lineups : Kameni, Sánchez, Weligton, Mathijsen, Monreal, Duda, Maresca, Carzola, Isco, Eliseu, Rondón. (4-2-3-1).
Match Facts
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Malaga's last 6 away games in La Liga.
Villarreal are undefeated in 10 of their last 11 home matches in La Liga.
Malaga have scored at least 2 goals in 5 of their last 7 matches against Villarreal in all competitions.
Head to Head
| Apr 7, 2012 | Betis 3 - Villarreal 1 | LIGA |
| Apr 1, 2012 | Villarreal 0 - Espanyol 0 | LIGA |
| Mar 25, 2012 | Rayo Vallecano 0 - Villarreal 2 | LIGA |
| Mar 21, 2012 | Villarreal 1 - Real Madrid CF 1 | LIGA |
| Mar 18, 2012 | Levante 1 - Villarreal 0 | LIGA |
| Apr 9, 2012 | Malaga 3 - Racing 0 | LIGA |
| Mar 31, 2012 | Malaga 0 - Betis 2 | LIGA |
| Mar 25, 2012 | Espanyol 1 - Malaga 2 | LIGA |
| Mar 22, 2012 | Malaga 4 - Rayo Vallecano 2 | LIGA |
| Mar 18, 2012 | Real Madrid CF 1 - Malaga 1 | LIGA |
| Spain - Primera Division (LIGA) | Nov 28, 2011 | Malaga 2 - Villarreal 1 | |
| Spain - Primera Division (LIGA) | Feb 20, 2011 | Villarreal 1 - Malaga 1 | |
| Spain - Primera Division (LIGA) | Sep 27, 2010 | Malaga 2 - Villarreal 3 | |
| Spain - Primera Division (LIGA) | Mar 21, 2010 | Malaga 2 - Villarreal 0 | |
| Spain - Primera Division (LIGA) | Oct 25, 2009 | Villarreal 2 - Malaga 1 |
Prediction
Villarreal did get the new manager boost they were hoping for when they
replaced Jose Molina with Lotina, but the former Deportivo coach has
very much imprinted his negative style on the side already and that
could yet hamper them in the run-in.
Apart from one blip against Betis, Málaga have been flying in recent
weeks - taking 19 points from a possible 24 - and with Champions League
honours at stake they could deepen Villarreal's relegation fears here.
Santi Cazorla scored his seventh goal of the season on Monday and even
though he has vowed not to celebrate should he find the target again
against his old club, he could be the key player in turning things
Málaga's way.
Villarreal 1 - 2 Malaga
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