22 October 2021, 16:56 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The Spanish LaLiga Santander fixture, Athletic Club vs. Villarreal CF, kicks off at 20:00 (GMT+1) on Saturday, October 23, at San Mamés Barria.
Preview Athletic Club La Liga, Oct 23, 2021
Preview Well rested, having had their last fixture against Real Madrid postponed due to a clash with the international schedule, fresh legs in Athletic Club's colors will emerge from the dugout to take on Villarreal in what could be described as a mid-table clash. Having played only eight games, the Bilbao-based side sits in 9th place while having 13 points after 3W, 4D & 1L. Athletic Club has lost only once in the last five games, WDLDW. On the 1st of October, the club picked up a 1-0 win over Deportivo Alaves, courtesy of a single strike from Raúl García (44’). Having been denied earlier from twelve yards, Raúl García made amends for the miss with a thumping header from the near post. Sitting three spots above Villarreal, only two points separate both sides ahead of this fixture. On Saturday, Marcelino will do everything possible to ensure his side emerges on top when this contest of ninety minutes comes to its conclusion. The 56-year-old could opt for the 4—4—2 formation once again with Iñaki Williams and Raúl García in attack. The former remains the club's top scorer with two goals in eight La Liga appearances, while the goal against Alaves was the first of the season for Raúl García.
Preview Villarreal La Liga, Oct 23, 2021
Preview The Yellow Submarine will make a return from their UEFA Champions League commitments, in which they picked up a 4-1 win over BSC Young Boys at the Stade de Suisse on Wednesday. Last weekend, Villarreal were on the losing end, succumbing to a narrow defeat to Osasuna despite a spirited display at El Madrigal. Lucas Torro (26’) had Osasuna in the lead with a remarkable finish in what was his first goal in LaLiga. Ten minutes after the break, an equally stunning left-footed volley from Gerard Moreno (55’) saw the Yellow Submarine on level terms with the visitors. With minutes left on the clock, Osasuna's Ezequiel Ávila (87’) capitalized on an error to seal the win for the visitors. The defeat leaves Villarreal in 12th place with 11 points after 2W, 5D & 1L. The club has bagged 9 goals, conceded 5, and is left with a G.D. of +4. Unai Emery could adopt the 3—5—2 formation which worked so well in the mid-week game against BSC Young Boys. The pair consisting of Arnaut Danjuma and Gerard Moreno in attack is expected. Samuel Chukwueze made his first appearance for the club in the UEFA Champions League, bagging a goal in stoppage time to signal a return to the star-studded circle of champions.