La Liga: The Yellow Submarine is Churning, But Can They Make it Back to Europe?

Villarreal vs Valencia

Believe it or not, Villarreal are currently one of the most in-form teams in La Liga since they have yet to lose a league game since January, and they’re planning to make it four wins on the bounce when they host Valencia at El Madrigal on Sunday.

Because of their positive La Liga 2024 results, the Yellow Submarine has moved up to 11^th in the Spanish top-flight standings, although time is running out for them to qualify for Europe next season.

On the other hand, their visitors in Valencia are in the running because they’re eighth in the table with 40 points. Like Villarreal, Valencia are undefeated in their last three league games, and they have a game in hand, which will come in handy in their pursuit of European football.

Talking Points

Sorloth catching fire for Villarreal

During their eight-game undefeated streak in La Liga, 10 different Villarreal players have scored, and Alexander Sorloth is head and shoulders above the pack with seven in that period.

As a result, Sorloth is now leading the team in scoring with 16 goals and five assists across all competitions, making him the man to watch out for this weekend if you’re from Valencia.

After jumping around different teams over the past nine years, Sorloth has found a home in Spain. Before joining Villarreal last summer, the Norwegian striker impressed in his two-year loan stint at Real Sociedad, and he continues to thrive at Villarreal.

Villarreal only got Alexander Sorloth for €10 million, which is such a huge bargain for this level of production.

Since Villarreal were already eliminated from the Europa League Round of 16 by Marseille, they will turn their full focus on La Liga this season, with European qualification being their top objective.

And while Sorloth is doing his best to hold it down for Villarreal, he cannot do it all alone. Sorloth will need support from the likes of Gerard Moreno, Jose Luis Morales, and Alex Baena if they are to succeed this season.

Gerard Moreno is the other double-digit scorer for Villarreal this season with 11 goals, while Baena is the team’s top playmaker with 12 assists.

Valencia got a gem in Yaremchuk

While Hugo Duro gets most of the credit for making Valencia viable, it would be foolish to overlook his strike partner in Roman Yaremchuk, who has picked up form lately.

Yaremchuk arrived on loan from Club Brugge last summer, and it took him some time to adapt at Valencia. Yes, he has only scored three goals this season, but two of those have come in his last five appearances.

His loan deal does not come with a buy option, but if Yaremchuk keeps this up, Valencia may have to consider signing him this summer on a permanent transfer.

Other than Hugo Duro and Roman Yaremchuk, Valencia will be expecting good performances from Pepelu, Javi Guerra, and Sergi Canos this weekend.

History

Valencia defeated Villarreal in their reverse fixture earlier this year, as Roman Yaremchuk and Pepelu (both penalties) found the back of the net three times for Los Che before Gerard Moreno scored the consolation goal for the Yellow Submarine to prevent a clean sheet.

That was Villarreal’s only loss in their last four meetings against Valencia in La Liga (W2, D1), and they have yet to lose in both league encounters in a single campaign against them.

In addition, Villarreal have not lost any of their last six La Liga home matches against Valencia (W5, D1), which is their longest home unbeaten streak against them in the Spanish top-flight.

However, Valencia have won two of their last four La Liga away matches (L2), which is one fewer than in their previous 24 such games (W3, D6, L15).

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP La Liga 2024 odds predict a tight contest between Villarreal and Valencia. The hosts were given the slight advantage at 2.07 odds, whereas the visitors are at 3.26, and a draw is at 3.20 in the 1X2 market.

At the same time, we expect Villarreal and Valencia to put on a show in front of the fans at El Madrigal, making Total Goal 2-3 at 1.90, Total Goal 4-6 at 3.42, and Over 2.75 at 2.26 alternative bets to consider.

While the Yellow Submarine is favoured to win this one, Los Che cannot be ruled out. And if you fancy their chances to win, then check out the Correct Score of 3-1 in favour of Valencia – the result of their reverse fixture – given its whopping 36.00 offer.

 

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