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2022/23 Spanish La Liga
Matchday 31
Villarreal CF v RCD Espanyol
Estadio de la Cerámica
Villarreal, Spain
Thursday, 27 April 2023
Kick-off is at 19h30
Villarreal CF will lock horns with RCD Espanyol in a
Spanish La Liga match at the Estadio de la Cerámica on April 27.
Current Form
The Yellow Submarine were beaten 2-1 by Sevilla FC away on April 23 and they are winless in their last two matches in the league.
Villarreal lost to Real Valladolid in their last home game and the defeat ended their three-match unbeaten run at the Estadio de la Cerámica.
On the other hand, Espanyol were held to a 0-0 draw by Cadiz CF at home on April 21 as they extended their winless run to seven matches in La Liga.
The White and Blues are also winless in their last four matches on the road having registered four consecutive defeats as the visitors.
What Is At Stake
Villarreal are in the race to finish in the top four and they are currently placed sixth on the league standings.
A victory over Espanyol would see Villarreal boost their top four hopes, but White and Blues are eager to avoid relegation from the Spanish top flight.
Espanyol will climb out of the relegation zone if they defeat Villarreal and the other results go their way.
Team News
Villarreal trio of Francis Coquelin, Étienne Capoue and Gerard Moreno are currently injured and the team has no suspension concerns.
Meanwhile, Espanyol also have no suspension worries, but Adrià Pedrosa and Keidi Bare are currently out injured.
Key Players
Jose Morales is one of Villarreal's star players having scored the most goals (seven) for the team in the league this term and he will be keen to help his side secure a win over Espanyol.
On the other hand, Joselu is Espanyol's dangerman having hit the back of the net 12 times in the league this season and he will be eager to add to his tally when he faces Villarreal.
Image copyright: Getty Images
Quotes
“They pressed us aggressively at the start of the game and it was difficult for us at the beginning," Villarreal manager Quique Setien said after his side's defeat to Sevilla.
"Later on we were better, coming out with the ball and having several clear chances in which we deserved to score.
"In the second half there were more alternatives with constant pressure on them. Both teams wanted to win and in the end the game was decided by a set piece,” he continued.
“A draw would have been the fairest result because we had opportunities. There were many situations where we could have hurt them. We lacked the ability to finish our chances.”
Head-to-Head
Villarreal edged out Espanyol 1-0 in their last meeting in La Liga and the game was played at the Reale Arena on 9 November 2022.
As a result, the Yellow Submarine are undefeated in their last three league games against the White and Blues having registered two successive wins and one draw.
Spanish La Liga matchday 31 fixtures
Tuesday, April 25
19:30 - Cadiz CF v CA Osasuna
19:30 - Girona FC v Real Madrid
22:00 - Real Betis v Real Sociedad
Wednesday, April 26
19:30 - Atletico Madrid v Real Mallorca
19:30 - Getafe CF v UD Almeria
22:00 - Celta Vigo v Elche CF
22:00 - Rayo Vallecano v FC Barcelona
Thursday, April 27
19:30 - Valencia CF v Real Valladolid
19:30 - Villarreal FC v RCD Espanyol
22:00 - Athletic Bilbao v Sevilla FC
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