Alavés vs Villarreal – News and Probable Lineups

Villarreal aims to secure consecutive victories in Spain’s premier division as they face Alaves this Friday evening.

Currently, the Yellow Submarine sits fourth in the La Liga standings, sharing the same points tally as Atletico Madrid in third place, while Alaves is positioned 16th, just two points clear of the relegation zone.

Match overview

Alaves heads into the fixture following a streak of defeats, including a 3-2 loss against Valencia in their last outing, putting them in 16th place in the league.

The Basque club has not won in Spain’s top flight since late January, managing just two points from their last five fixtures, which places them precariously close to the relegation zone.

On home turf, the Blue and Whites have recorded 19 points from 13 league matches this season, and their relatively solid home record is a silver lining amid struggles on the road this 2025-26 campaign.

In their last season’s meeting, Alaves secured a 1-0 victory over Villarreal, though Villarreal emerged victorious 3-1 in their clash back in January.

Interestingly, Alaves leads the all-time head-to-head record against Villarreal with 16 wins to Villarreal’s 14, along with three matches ending in a draw.

Villarreal has not secured an away victory against Alaves since January 2020, with their last four wins over the Basque team occurring at their home ground.

The Yellow Submarine will approach this match fresh off a 2-1 triumph over Elche, placing them fourth in the standings with a record of 17 victories, three draws, and seven defeats, totaling 54 points.

Marcelino’s team is level on points with Atletico Madrid who are in third, and a draw or better will see them move up to that position, while they hold an 11-point advantage over fifth-placed Real Betis.

Villarreal is in an excellent position to challenge for a top-four finish and has gathered 20 points from their 13 away league encounters this season.

A victory on Friday could bring Marcelino’s side within six points of second-placed Real Madrid, who are currently missing several key personnel.

Alaves La Liga form:

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Alaves form (all competitions):

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Villarreal La Liga form:

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Team News

Alaves will be without two players due to suspension on Friday, as Ander Guevara and Jon Pacheco were both sent off in the match against Valencia.

Fortunately, Victor Parada and Pablo Ibanez are set to return following their own suspensions during the previous game.

Carlos Protesoni, who was substituted in the first half last match, is likely to miss out, but no other injury issues are reported for the home side.

For Villarreal, Pau Cabanes, Logan Costa, Juan Foyth, and Willy Kambwala remain out due to injury.

Ayoze Perez and Pau Navarro are both doubtful, and late fitness tests will determine their availability.

Tajon Buchanan was outstanding against Elche and is expected to maintain a role out wide, with Nicolas Pepe likely operating through the center.

Alaves possible starting lineup:

Sivera; Tenaglia, Yusi, Parada, Otto; Perez, Guridi, Blanco, Suarez; Boye, Martinez

Villarreal probable starting XI:

Luiz Junior; Mourino, Veiga, Marin, S Cardona; Buchanan, Comesana, Gueye, Miller; Pepe, Mikautadze

Quique Sanchez Flores suffered defeat in his first match as Alaves head coach, and expectations are for another loss here; Villarreal is firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish and should navigate to a win.