Almeria vs Villarreal prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2024-04-20 14:15.
[p]They might have gained a lot of admirers for their fighting spirit throughout an increasingly grim time, but with each passing week AlmerĂa’s two-season stay in La Liga is coming closer to an end. Under Pepe Mel, their fourth manager of this campaign, they closed out strongly to go home with a point from San Sebastian (2-2 v Real Sociedad) and take their record during Mel’s tenure to W1, D1, L1.[/p]
[p]The last time that AlmerĂa’s largest possible points tally of 35 was enough to avoid relegation was back in 2016/17 (LeganĂ©s), and whilst even the playful speculation of AlmerĂa suddenly winning seven straight matches is fanciful and ludicrous, they’re no longer the whipping boys of the competition. The team have lost by 2+ goals just twice across their last 18 league games after doing so in six of their first 13, though their home fans are still longing to witness that elusive first victory of the season.[/p]
[p]The club have also shaken off their bad habit of converting opening goals into losses, so there may not be a repeat of the trip to Villarreal where the Yellow Submarine were able to equalise almost in an instant on the way to a come-from-behind victory. Falling behind has been the recent story of Villarreal’s journey, though they were able to recently fight back away to both Real Betis (W 3-2) and Athletic Club (D 1-1) in their last two away league outings in spite of that. [/p]
[p]The likelihood of the UEFA Europa Conference League ticket being transferred to eighth place means Villarreal can still make a late season charge for European football against some weaker opposition following tough assignments against higher ranked Athletic and Atlético Madrid (L 2-1). Having collected more points on their travels than at home (20 vs 19) this season and amid a five-game unbeaten streak in La Liga away games (W3, D2), they should have all the confidence they need to keep in touch. [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Adrián Embarba opened the scoring before half-time in two of AlmerĂa’s last four league games, which both finished 2-2. Alexander Sørloth delivered the final goal not only in Villarreal’s last two away league wins, but also in the reverse H2H.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: The pre-match favourite has won just 33% of Villarreal’s away games this La Liga season (W5, D5, L5).[/p]