Villarreal takes on Saturday afternoon in his own Ceramica against Alaves. Do not judge yourself in the rankings, because despite the fact that Villarreal is elevated eleven places, it is precisely Alaves that has been in blood form lately.

Villarreal wants to play the Champions League hymn again in the Ceramica next season, but for the time being the yellow shirts are just out of the boat with a fifth place. Last weekend, the team went down painfully at Real Betis: 2-1. That defeat was largely due to defender Daniele Bonera, who after half an hour of play was already able to take a shower. ‘The red card and the 1-0 score of rest determined the game,’ said trainer Javi Calleja. “Nevertheless, I am proud of my team. We fought fewer as lions with a man. ”

The home match against Alaves will therefore have to be won anyway if Villarreal wants to keep her Champions League dream alive. El Submarino Amarillo is still struggling with a laundry list of absentees. Apart from Daniele Bonera, super talent Rodri Hernandez is also suspended this week. He is experiencing his big break this season and has not been in the spotlight of Atletico Madrid for nothing. In addition, the medical staff also runs six injury cases and a doubt case overtime. The width of the selection is therefore put to the test. Winter purchase Javi Fuego, who came over from Espanyol, is almost certainly ready for his first place at his new employer. It may be that Calleja is going to rotate a little bit in the run for the Europa League game against Olympique Lyon next Thursday, although I think that chance is small. Especially in the forefront, the coach with Roger Martinez and Denis Cheryshev, among others, still has some options, but the hunt for Champions League qualification has the highest priority.

Abelardo Fernandez is the wonder doctor of Alaves. In just ten rounds of play, he managed to take the club from Vitoria from the last place to the sixteenth place. Under his leadership, the Basques won no less than sixteen points, with the 2-1 home win over Celta de Vigo as the most recent hit. El Glorioso is now five points loose, but is absolutely not planning to celebrate the reins. ‘Above all, we have to keep on going like this and keep playing with our hearts,’ says former Feyenoordist John Guidetti.

Abelardo has shaken up Alaves again, although there is still plenty of work to do in the Mendizorroza. The team managed to win only one of its four away games in La Liga under his leadership. The remaining three eliminations were all lost, although Alaves always offered plenty of opposition and had with Atletico Madrid, Athletic Bilbao and FC Barcelona as opponents also a very tough program. Also Villarreal-out will undoubtedly be difficult again, although I do not doubt that Alaves will again fight in the Ceramica. Abelardo has a great team that can make it difficult for everyone. The team did not make any purchases this winter, but still left a good feeling about the last transfer period. For example, the blue-white left Alfonso Pedraza left on board, defender Victor Laguardia bounced back after nine months injured, Martin right back from his own youth broke through and midfielder Tomas Pina again his old form. The sun shines again above the Mendizorroza.

PREDICTION: Both teams to score / NO @ 1.79