H2H: Villarreal vs Atletico Madrid – Prediction (La Liga

Preview and Teams Comparison.

Though boosted by the fact that they have collected two-thirds of their current 18-point tally at home, Villarreal have conceded an alarming ten goals in their five-game winless La Liga (LL) run (D1, L4). With eight of those conceded goals falling after the break, they were unable to convert any of their four 0-0 half-time results into victory. Villarreal’s four-game unbeaten run in home H2Hs (W3, D1) provides a more positive narrative. However, the first goal could be crucial all the same, as just two of the last eight H2Hs played at Villarreal have produced over 2.5 total goals.

Atlético Madrid have seen four of their last seven LL matches (including their last three on the road) end in frustrating 1-1 draws. Alongside that, Atlético have gone on to win just four of seven LL matches (W4, D3) when scoring first, though they have recovered points on a majority (three) of the five occasions (W2, D1, L2) in which they have conceded the opener. As bookmakers’ favourites, Atlético are expected to win, and their last seven LL away wins have all yielded a clean sheet. Furthermore, going back to the start of 2018/19, the Rojiblancos’ league record as an away favourite reads encouragingly: W9, D9, L5.

Players to watch: The in-form Gerard Moreno (VIL) has made nine career appearances (seven starts) against Atlético, but is yet to score against them. The same can’t be said about Álvaro Morata (ATM), who opened the scoring against Villarreal last season, albeit at home.

Stat attack: Villarreal’s two yellow cards per game is one of the lowest averages in LL, whilst they remain one of just a few clubs yet to have a player sent off. Atlético are averaging a combined 1.73 yellow cards per game – the lowest in LL. Nearly two-thirds (61.54%) of Atlético’s league goals scored or conceded have fallen after the break.