Villarreal's solid campaign this season has seen them accumulate an impressive record in the league. From their 25 league matches so far, they've secured 12 victories, registered eight draws, and suffered just five defeats. This consistent performance has earned them a total of 44 points, placing them firmly in the fifth spot in the league table. As the weekend fixtures approach, they find themselves four points adrift of fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao.

The Yellow Submarine's position is relatively secure, as they hold a nine-point advantage over sixth-placed Rayo Vallecano. At this juncture, their sights are set firmly on climbing up the division rather than worrying about a potential drop. A top-four finish, which would bring significant rewards such as Champions League football, is very much within their grasp.

Heading into this upcoming match, Villarreal is buoyed by their recent 1-0 triumph over Rayo Vallecano. Their form has been excellent of late, winning three out of their last four matches. Marcelino's men are hitting their stride at a crucial stage of the season, demonstrating both resilience and attacking prowess.

In their last six games in Spain's top tier, El Submarino Amarillo has recorded an impressive four wins and two draws. The absence of European commitments means they can focus all their energy and resources on the domestic league. This lack of midweek distractions could prove to be a decisive factor in their quest to secure a coveted top-four position.

Villarreal have 20 points to show from their 12 home league matches during the 2024-25 campaign, but they have actually performed better on their travels this term, boasting the second-best away record in the league behind Barcelona.

Espanyol, meanwhile, will enter this match off the back of a 1-0 victory over Alaves, with Fernando Calero netting the only goal of the match in the 86th minute to secure a vital three points.

The Catalan outfit have only been beaten in one of their last seven in the league, recording three wins in the process, with that strong run of form seeing them rise out of the relegation zone and into 15th.

Manolo Gonzalez's side have a record of seven wins, six draws and 12 defeats from their 25 league matches this season, and they are currently four points clear of the bottom three and only four points off Girona in 13th.

Espanyol will be coming up against the third-best attack in La Liga this season, with Villarreal finding the back of the net on 48 occasions, but it has been a lot more difficult for the visitors, only managing 24 goals in their 25 matches.

The White and Blues have lost each of their last four La Liga games against Villarreal, including a 2-1 reverse earlier this season, while they were beaten 4-2 in the corresponding fixture during the 2023-24 campaign.

Villarreal will be without the services of Gerard Moreno and Ilias Akhomach due to injury problems, while Kiko Femenia remains a doubt, with the defender set to undergo a late fitness test.

Head coach Marcelino is likely to have the same squad available from the clash against Rayo Vallecano, and it could be the same XI, with Ayoze Perez again featuring in the final third of the field.

Perez has 11 La Liga goals during the 2024-25 campaign, and he is set to be joined by Thierno Barry, while Yeremy Pino and Alex Baena are likely to feature in the wide positions for the Yellow Submarine.

As for Espanyol, Fernando Pacheco, Jose Gragera and Pere Milla will miss the match due to injury problems.

Roberto Fernandez has scored twice in six appearances for Espanyol since arriving on loan from Braga during the January transfer window, and the Spaniard will again operate in the final third of the field.

Javi Puado has been another standout performer for the Catalan side during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring eight times in Spain's top flight, and there will once again be a spot in a wide area for the 26-year-old.

Villarreal possible starting lineup:

Conde; Foyth, Kambwala, Costa, S Cardona; Pino, Comesana, Gueye, Baena; Perez, Barry

Espanyol possible starting lineup:

Garcia; El Hilali, Kumbulla, Cabrera, Romero; Lozano, Gonzalez; Carreras, Kral, Puado; Fernandez