As LaLiga action rolls on, Villarreal hosts Girona at the Estadio de la Ceramica on December 1, 2024, kicking off at 14:00. Nestled in 4th place, Villarreal is having a great season, even with a slew of injuries. Meanwhile, Girona is grappling at 13th, their performances scattered, resulting in mixed results. Villarreal’s injuries, including key players like Ilias Akhomach and Ayoze Perez, could influence their attack. Conversely, Girona strengthens with Cristhian Stuani’s return. With mild weather predicted, conditions are ripe for a thrilling game as both teams seek to ride their mid-season momentum.
Villarreal vs Girona Prediction & Betting Tip
Predictions lean a tad towards a Villarreal win. Playing at home and showing strategic finesse in recent games, Villarreal navigates its injury woes adeptly. Their resilience shines through, marked by wins over squads such as Deportivo Alaves. Girona appears less steady on the road, steering the prediction toward a home victory.
| Villarreal vs Girona Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting Tip | Odds |
| Villarreal to win | 1.85 – 1.92 |
The bet highlights Villarreal’s strong home performances, contrasted with Girona’s mixed away record. The odds make for a close match, yet Villarreal’s steadiness makes them slight favorites.
Villarreal vs Girona Odds
In this compelling LaLiga face-off, Villarreal enjoys a slight favorite status with odds for a home win ranging from 1.85 to 1.92. Girona faces tougher odds, reflecting challenges in form and position. A draw stands at 3.50, acknowledging the match’s competitiveness. The “both teams to score” market hints at scoring potential from both sides, although Villarreal’s home strength could sway the outcome.
| Villarreal vs Girona Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Villarreal Win | 1.85 – 1.92 |
| Draw | 3.50 |
| Girona Win | 4.00 – 4.25 |
Villarreal Team Analysis
Villarreal Recent Performance
Villarreal has carved a solid spot in the top four through strategic wins and tactical draws. Even after a stumble against Real Madrid, Villarreal rebounds with solid victories over teams like Deportivo Alaves, with a decisive 3-0 triumph.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Villarreal | Deportivo Alaves | 3-0 |
| Villarreal | Osasuna | 2-2 |
| Villarreal | Valencia | 2-1 |
| Villarreal | Real Madrid | 0-2 |
| Villarreal | Las Palmas | 1-0 |
These results highlight a team, hindered by injuries, which still competes hard. Ramon Tenininguez’s strong defending has been key, especially against tougher foes.
For more on how Villarreal is performing this season, check out Villarreal’s LaLiga season details here.
Villarreal Key Players
Despite injury setbacks, players like Yeremy Pino step up. His speed and flair offer crucial creativity in attack. Nicolas Pépé, while injured, is missed, having been impactful when fit. Daniel Parejo holds the midfield together, crucial in driving Villarreal’s offensive plays.
Defensively, Raul Albiol and Pau Torres remain strong, providing sturdy defensive tactics. Gerard Moreno, when fit, adds his scoring touch. In goal, Diego Conde’s reliability works toward earning clean sheets despite changing defenses.
Villarreal Suspensions & Injuries
Unfortunately, Villarreal’s season is marked by several key absences. Ilias Akhomach’s long-term ACL injury impacts attacking depth. Ayoze Perez, dealing with a muscle strain, and Nicolas Pépé, out with a hamstring tear, further reduce their attacking options.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Ilias Akhomach | Anterior cruciate ligament injury | Out for the season |
| Ayoze Perez | Muscle strain | 2-3 weeks |
| Nicolas Pépé | Hamstring tear | January 2025 |
| Alfonso Pedraza | Hamstring strain | Mid December 2024 |
| Juan Foyth | Calf strain | Early January 2025 |
This injury roster requires an adaptable approach from Head Coach Marcelino García Toral, who will likely advance young talents and lean on squad depth.
Villarreal Tactics and Formation
Marcelino is expected to stick to a 4-4-2 formation, balancing strength with creative play. The midfield will aim to hold possession and launch counter-attacks, using Yeremy Pino’s speed. Defensive organization remains key, led by experienced players like Pau Navarro. A pragmatic approach, making the most of the available squad, will be crucial given the injury-driven constraints.
Further insights into Villarreal’s tactics and strategies explore how the team has been managing similar challenges throughout the season.
Girona Team Analysis
Girona Recent Performance
Girona’s path has been bumpy, reflecting their current league ranking. Wins over teams like Sevilla bring hope, while losses to sides like Las Palmas point to areas needing improvement. They have competitive stats mid-table but need greater consistency.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Girona | Sevilla | 2-1 |
| Girona | Almeria | 1-1 |
| Girona | Sturm Graz | 0-2 |
| Girona | Las Palmas | 0-3 |
| Girona | Getafe | 1-1 |
This mix of results offers both excitement in unexpected victories and disappointment through lesser performances.
Girona Key Players
Oriol Romeu’s return is a big boost to Girona’s midfield muscle. His leadership might sway dynamics, especially with Ivan Martin adding attacking prowess. Cristhian Stuani’s experience up front keeps defenses guessing, presenting goal opportunities.
On defense, Alejandro Frances and Daley Blind add stability. Their experience helps counter Villarreal’s attacking style, supported by Paulo Gazzaniga’s goalkeeping skills.
Girona Suspensions & Injuries
Girona’s lineup faces some injuries, though key returns strengthen their squad. The exciting comeback of Yangel Herrera enhances midfield choices. However, player fitness remains a concern for Michel.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Yangel Herrera | Recovered | Available |
| Jhon Solis | Muscle strain | Day to day |
| Portu | Knee injury | Mid December 2024 |
| Yaser Asprilla | Knee injury | January 2025 |
Managing these players well, Michel constantly tweaks formations, supported by strategic shifts for evolving situations.
Girona Tactics and Formation
Girona may choose a 4-3-3 system, emphasizing energetic pressing and quick transitions. Their front line, steered by Stuani, aims to exploit defensive lapses. Oriol Romeu and Viktor Tsygankov orchestrate from midfield, bring both strength and vision. Capitalizing on counter-attacks will be crucial as Girona looks to expose Villarreal’s injuries-weakened setup.
Familiarize yourself with Girona’s tactics and strategic direction to see how they can tackle this match against Villarreal effectively.
Villarreal vs Girona Head-to-Head Statistics
Recent matches have largely favored Villarreal, thanks to some tight yet winning results. Girona’s away win last season shows their potential, bringing an edge of suspense to this upcoming clash.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Villarreal | Girona | 1-2 |
| Girona | Villarreal | 0-1 |
| Villarreal | Girona | 2-0 |
| Girona | Villarreal | 1-1 |
| Villarreal | Girona | 1-0 |
These history-rich, defensive matches hint at tightly contested outcomes perfect for strategies focusing on disciplined defensive play.
Venue and Weather
The game unfolds at Villarreal’s Estadio de la Ceramica. With a comfortable 18.11°C forecast and clear skies, the playing conditions will be superb. Mild winds are unlikely to disturb strategies or aerial plays, enabling teams to apply their plans fully.
The fervor of Villarreal’s supporters adds intensity, boosting their team’s strong home form as they chase victory.
For in-depth coverage of LaLiga developments this season, including how matches like Villarreal vs Girona fit into broader league narratives, explore our comprehensive resources.
Explore our detailed resources for additional insights into Villarreal’s strategic season journey and Girona’s competitive dynamics in LaLiga, providing depth to your match anticipation.
