Málaga vs Villarreal prediction: team news, lineups, expert analysis
On September 17, 2026, Málaga and Villarreal will face off in the sixth round of Spain's La Liga. The visitors are determined to fight for victory against this opponent.
Málaga vs Villarreal team news and expert analysis
The club from La Rosaleda recently dropped into the country's third tier. However, they won the Segunda playoff last season. At the higher level, they began with a home draw against fellow newcomers Deportivo, followed by defeats away from home. Still, they shared the points with both of their two most recent opponents, Levante and Celta, drawing 0-0 and 1-1.
The team from La Cerámica finished fourth and then third in La Liga under Marcelino. However, the coach was dismissed after an unsuccessful Champions League campaign. His successor, Iñigo Pérez, started with a pair of draws before suffering defeats to Alavés and Deportivo. In the Champions League, they also began with a setback, losing 2-3 to Borussia Dortmund. They were beaten 1-2 by Betis in the previous round as well.
The La Liga newcomers score an average of 0.4 goals per match while conceding 1.6. Moreno and company average 1.4 goals away from home and concede two per match.
Previous matches: Málaga vs Villarreal
The clubs last met in the 2017/2018 season, when they traded clean-sheet victories.
The visitors are expected to finally break out. However, they have struggled at the start, while the newcomers have gradually found their feet. Our pick is for both teams to score (odds – 1.60).
Málaga vs Villarreal: key statistics and trends
- Málaga have drawn three of their last four matches
- 40% of Málaga's matches finish with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per match is 2.0
- Villarreal have lost four matches in a row
- 80% of Villarreal's matches finish with both teams scoring, and the average total goals per match is 3.4
Málaga vs Villarreal: possible starting lineups
Málaga play in a 1-4-4-2 formation (possible lineup): Herrero – Garrido, Galilea, Recio, Puga – Muñoz, Merino, Rodríguez, Larrubia – Dotor, Rubio
Villarreal play in a 1-4-4-2 formation (possible lineup): Luiz Júnior – Cardona, Renato Veiga, Costa, Freeman – Moleiro, Gueye, Saliba, Pepe – Pérez, Moreno
Follow the La Liga standings and keep track of your team's form before betting on the next match
