Cadiz CF vs Villarreal prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2022-09-30 12:00.
What a difference finding the back of the net can make! After setting a new La Liga (LL) record for the worst five-game beginning to a season by any club after more than 90 years of competition, CĂĄdizâs opening goal of the campaign – albeit from one of the final kicks of the match – rewarded their tireless defensive effort with a breakthrough 1-0 win at Valladolid despite conceding 18 shots.
Those who were not on international duty have been put through five days of training by manager Sergio GonzĂĄlez prior to this crucial contest with Villarreal who were the only top-half club they defeated at home (1-0) last season, one of three home victories in the back end of the LL campaign that secured their survival. Having already fielded 26 players this LL season due to injuries and indifferent form, GonzĂĄlez will be expected to have a near clean bill of health for his squad which includes a potential return for Choco Lozano.
Villarreal manager Unai Emery lamented his teamâs inability to find league consistency alongside their Champions League success immediately after that loss to CĂĄdiz last season. A gruelling nine-game schedule in October will once again test not only Villarrealâs squad depth but also Emeryâs ability to manage it.
Despite his vow to prioritise a return to the top four of LL, it is again on the continental stage where their best results have been earned. Failures to defeat Betis (L 0-1) and Sevilla (D 1-1) have left them in a position where, if unable to win away to CĂĄdiz in this outing, their difficult trips to Sociedad, Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao later in the month could see them slip further down the standings.
Players to watch: Australian midfielder Awer Mabil could be in good condition to make his first impact in CĂĄdiz colours after scoring a match-winner for his country during the international break. Villarreal midfielder Ălex Baena has recorded goals in three of his last five games for club or country and now makes his maiden appearance against CĂĄdiz. After scoring in his first competitive match against a Spanish club on three occasions in the past, heâll look to make CĂĄdiz the fourth.
Hot streak: CĂĄdiz have now failed to win their last 50 league games (any division) when conceding the opening goal (D15, L35).