La Liga | Gameweek 27

Mar 8, 2025 at 3.15pm UK

Estadio de Mendizorroza

Alaves vs Villarreal

Match preview

Alaves come into the game off the back of a 1-1 draw with Mallorca, which will count as a positive result, but the Basque side are without a win in the Spanish top flight since mid-January.

They have taken just three points from their last six league games, leaving them 19th in the standings, one point behind 17th-placed Las Palmas, who have played the same number of games (26).

Alaves have a record of five wins, eight draws and 13 defeats in La Liga this season, with three of their victories coming in front of their own fans, but they have also lost five times at the Mendizorrotza.

The Blue and Whites are winless in their last three La Liga encounters with Villarreal, having been beaten 3-0 in the reverse fixture earlier this season.

However, last season's meeting ended 1-1, while Alaves won 2-1 in April 2022.

While Alaves are fighting relegation, Villarreal are chasing a top-four finish in the Spanish top flight, with the Yellow Submarine looking to secure Champions League football for the 2025-26 season.

Marcelino's men have won 12, drawn eight and lost five of their 25 league games this term, picking up 44 points to sit fifth in the table.

Villarreal are six points clear of sixth-placed Real Betis, while they have a game in hand on fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao and are firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish at this stage of the campaign.

Marcelino's side beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 last time out and are unbeaten in their last six league games, including three wins in their last four top-flight encounters.

Villarreal have been prolific in front of goal this season, scoring 48 times in their 25 games, the third-best attacking record in the league, but they have also conceded 35 goals, which is high considering their position in the table.

Recent Performance

Alaves La Liga form:DLLDLD

Villarreal La Liga form:WDWWDW

Team News

For Saturday's match, Alaves is once again anticipated to be without Tomas Conechny, Hugo Novoa, and Carlos Benavidez. However, the Basque club has not encountered any new injury concerns in the lead - up to the game.

Given the outstanding performance and result in their last match against Mallorca, head coach Coudet might field the exact same starting lineup.

Veteran forward Kike Garcia is having a remarkable season, having scored 11 goals in Spain's top - tier league. The 35 - year - old will once again have a place in the attacking third of the pitch.

As for Villarreal, Kiko Femenia is still uncertain to play because of an upper - back problem. Additionally, Gerard Moreno and Ilias Akhomach will not be available for selection due to injuries.

Ayoze Perez has been the team's most prominent attacker this season, scoring 11 goals in La Liga. The 31 - year - old will have a spot in the attacking third.

Head coach Marcelo is likely to name the same starting XI as in the victory over Rayo in the last game. Alex Baena and Yeremy Pino will operate on the wings, and Santi Comesana should secure a place in central midfield.

Possible starting lineup

Alaves possible starting lineup:

Sivera; Tenaglia, Abqar, Mourino, Sanchez; Vicente, Jordan, Blanco, Alena; Martin, Kike Garcia

Villarreal possible starting lineup:

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