Villarreal vs Valencia prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2022-12-30 15:15.
After a seven-month renovation, Villarreal’s Estadio de la Cerámica will reopen its doors to a highly anticipated ‘Derbi de la Comunitat’ against fierce rivals Valencia. Villarreal midfielder Manu Trigueros reflected the excitement of the occasion when boasting that there was “not much more one could ask for’’ on New Year’s Eve than a derby at a brand new stadium. Villarreal fans will want to crown their return to the stands with victory after watching their side beat Espanyol 1-0 before the World Cup break.
Just two points separate these mid-table sides in the La Liga (LL) standings but the Yellow Submarine have dominated this derby recently, having not lost a league game at home to Valencia since 2016/17 (W4, D1). With newly-appointed Villarreal boss Quique still getting to grips with a side "made for Emery" according to Trigueros, leading to a mixed record since the manager’s arrival (W3, D1, L3), it could be a good time for the ‘Bats’ of Valencia to swoop.
Yet everything is far from rosy in the Valencia camp either, illustrated by manager Gennaro Gattuso’s lamenting that club owner Peter Lim will not sanction the signing of "important players" due to various constraints. Despite the difficult environment his side appears to be operating in, the Italian boss remains typically defiant, demanding "belief" from his side ahead of this tie despite only Elche and Almería (zero) securing fewer league away victories than their one this season.
At least Valencia arrive with a clean bill of health to try and improve on that dire LL away record (W1, D3, L2) with a leaky defence that has failed to keep a shutout in that period perhaps the biggest culprit. This potential vulnerability adds another layer to what could be a classic with four of Valencia’s last five LL away games witnessing an 85+ minute goal and at least one red card!
Players to watch: Arnaut Danjuma has three goals from his last four home outings for Villarreal and struck twice the last time these sides met. He’ll hope to outshine Valencia forward Samu Castillejo, who may be looking to prove a point as he prepares to line up against his former club in rival colours for the first time.
Hot stat: Villarreal have only lost one of their last five LL home games after conceding the first goal (W1, D3).