Eibar and Villarreal face in Municipal Stadium of Ipurúa, in a match for the 18th round of the First Division. The history of direct confrontations disputed in this stadium is favorable to the home team, which in the last 4 matches won 2, drew 1 and lost 1. Indeed, the last time these two teams played a game in this stadium, in 28 -02-2018, for the First Division, Eibar won by (1-0). Kike (16 ‘) scored the only goal of the match. Attention to the house factor, since the Eibar usually conquer different results at home and abroad.
Eibar:
After 5 wins, 6 draws and 6 losses, the home team is currently in the 13 th position of the league, with 21 points won. In their last match, they tied in a home match against Real Betis, by (1-1), after in the previous match they tied (1-1) at home, in a match against Valencia. This is a team that usually makes good use of the home advantage, stronger with the help of its supporters, since in the last 30 matches they register 2 wins, 5 draws and 8 losses in away matches; against 7 wins, 5 draws and 3 losses at their stadium. For the championship, Eibar won 15 points out of 27 possible, after 4 wins, 3 draws and 2 losses in the last 9 home matches.
For this competition, they have not lost any of the last 5 home matches. The team has conceded goals in 8 of the last 10 matches, so they have not displayed great defensive solidity, but their offense has scored consistently, as they have scored goals in 7 of the last 10 matches for this competition. In their home matches for this competition there is a tendency for goals, since 6 of the last 9 matches have ended with Over 2,5 goals. In 17 matches in the competition, they suffered the first goal 10 times and only managed 2 comebacks. In the last 5 home matches for all competitions there is 1 period that stands out: they have scored 5 of their 10 goals between minutes (46’-60 ‘).
Eibar left for this game with a 1-1 draw in the Real Betis field trip: the only goal of the team was scored by Orellana. It is important to underline that the locals add only 3 wins in the last 10 matches played. In this home game, coach Jose Luis Mendilibar must opt for a more defensive strategy, with the lines close together, exploring only the space in the opponent’s back. However, it must be emphasized that the locals present several weaknesses in the defensive sector, more specifically in the attack-defense transition. Charles is the best score of Eibar, with 6 goals scored. Outside of this game will be Pedro León and Dmitrovic, both with physical problems.
Villarreal:
After 3 wins, 7 draws and 7 losses, the away team is currently in the 17 th position of the league, with 16 points won. In their last match, they tied with Real Madrid at home (2-2), after in the previous match they tied for a match against Huesca, by (2-2). This is a team that usually maintains its competitive levels in home and away matches, since in the last 30 matches they register 3 wins, 8 draws and 4 losses in away matches, with 20 goals scored and 21 conceded; against 4 wins, 7 draws and 4 losses at their stadium, with 28 goals scored and 16 conceded. For the championship, Villarreal won 9 points out of 24 possible, after 2 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses in the last 8 matches they played as a visitor.
For this competition, they have not won any of the last 5 away matches. In their home league matches the most frequent result at half-time was the 0-0 (3 out of 8 matches). They have not been very strong defensively, since they have suffered at least one goal in each of the last 10 matches, but their offense has scored frequently, since they have scored goals in 9 of the last 10 matches for this competition. In 17 matches in this tournament, they suffered the first goal 8 times and never got the comeback. There are 2 periods that stand out in the last 13 away matches for all competitions: he scored 7 of his 16 goals between the minutes (76′-90 ‘); He suffered 9 of his 17 goals between the minutes (76’-90 ‘).
Villarreal come to this game motivated after a draw, 2-2, in the reception to Real Madrid, thus registering the second match without losing in the Spanish championship: Santi Cazorla was the great hero, scoring the two goals of the team. In this game at Eibar’s home, coach Luis García must line up in the usual 4-4-2, benefiting possession of the ball and organized attacks, especially through the right flank. Gerard Moreno and Carlos Bacca are the best finalists of Villarreal, with 4 goals scored. For this game the coach does not have Mario Gaspar, suspended, besides Iturra and Mariano, players who recover from injury.
PREDICTION: Eibar to win @ 2.10
