Villarreal and Deportivo Alavés are set to clash in a match with aspirations of reaching the Liga de Campeones and ensuring their permanence in the league at stake. The match marks Quique Sánchez Flores’ debut at Mendizorroza.
Alavés Look to Escape Relegation Zone
Quique will manage his second match in charge of Alavés. The team returns home after a defeat at Mestalla. Despite the loss, the Babazorros remain outside the relegation zone, holding a two-point advantage.
Quique hopes to maintain his strategy introduced in Valencia. However, absences of several players may force him to alter his plans. Facundo Garcés is suspended by FIFA, alongside Jon Pacheco and Ander Guevara who were expelled last match. Carlos Protesoni is also injured.
Víctor Parada and Pablo Ibáñez return to the squad and are in contention for a starting position. Ville Koski, signed in the winter market, could debut after recovering from an injury. A potential defensive lineup includes Parada, Tenaglia, and Otto, with Yusi and Ángel on the wings.
In midfield, Pablo Ibáñez is expected to play alongside Antonio Blanco and Carles Aleñá. Lucas Boyé and Toni Martínez are likely to lead the attack for a team that is currently on a five-match winless streak, including three at home. Alavés will rely on their history, as Villarreal have not won in their last four visits to Vitoria.
Villarreal Aim to Secure Champions League Spot
Villarreal arrive in Vitoria seeking to replicate their home form on the road. The team has failed to win in four of their last five away matches. Villarreal are level on points with Atlético, who are third, and aim to solidify their Champions League qualification.
They will try to maintain or extend their lead over Real Betis, who are eleven points behind with eleven games remaining. The squad includes a new addition in French defender Willy Kambwala, who has been medically cleared after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Logan Costa, Ayoze Pérez and Juan Foyth remain sidelined. Gerard Moreno could potentially start, while Pau Navarro, who suffered physical issues against Elche, has been cleared of any injury following medical tests, though Marcelino may be cautious.
Key Absences and Potential Lineups
- Alavés are missing Facundo Garcés, Jon Pacheco, and Ander Guevara due to suspension.
- Carlos Protesoni is out injured for Alavés.
- Willy Kambwala is included in the Villarreal squad.
- Logan Costa, Ayoze Pérez and Juan Foyth are unavailable for Villarreal.
The match promises a clash of ambitions as Villarreal seek Champions League qualification and Alavés fight for survival in La Liga.