Villarreal host Getafe in a rare Monday night game for La Liga which sees the meeting of two sides who are nervously looking over their shoulders after a disappointing season to date (Villarreal 5/6, draw 5/2, Getafe 3/1).
Villarreal’s nightmare season got even worse with a shock 2-1 defeat to rock-bottom Real Zaragoza last weekend. Two goals in the final five minutes gave Zaragoza just their fourth win of the entire campaign and continued Villarreal’s shocking form on the road.
They have now lost nine, drawn three and won just once in their 13 away games this season.
It is hard to believe that Villarreal actually finished fourth in La Liga last season, qualifying for the Champions League, but that defeat at Zaragoza has left them in 17th place, just three points above the drop zone.
The result also means a win against their Madrid-based opponents on Monday is even more important if they are to avoid dropping further into the relegation mire – the frightening prospect of going down is suddenly a very real one.
The visit of Getafe – who are just two places and two points better off – represents a huge opportunity for the Yellow Submarine to gain an advantage over a relegation rival, jump up three places in the table and create breathing space between themselves and the bottom three.
On paper they should take the points. Villarreal have an impressive record versus Getafe at home, winning six and drawing one of their last seven meetings.
You also have to consider their impressive form at El Madrigal, despite their poor league position.
Villarreal have lost just once all season in the league on their home ground – a crazy statistic if you look at their position in the table. Indeed, only Barcelona have lost less at home in the league.
Their haul of 20 goals scored is also only bettered by one team outside of the top six.
The Azulones meanwhile haven’t won in their last five, and have won just three times on the road this season.
The return of Marco Ruben is another reason to put your money behind Villarreal. The Argentine has hit seven goals in 22 appearances and is set to return from injury after missing last weekend’s defeat.
Therefore, despite their woes and actually being below Getafe in the table, it is well worth backing José Francisco Molina’s men for the win.
A 2-0 victory is a handy priced 7/1, while a Villarreal half time/full time is another option at 15/8.
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England (9/1 to win Euro 2012 outright) have been given a small boost following their World Cup disappointment as they have risen one place in Fifa’s world rankings.