Real Madrid v Villarreal, La Liga 2016: Preview, Team News, Lineups, Key Stats - originally posted on Soccerlens.com
Real Madrid vs Villarreal
Liga BBVA
20th April 2016, 21:00 pm BST
Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Live Stream: Watch Real Madrid vs Villarreal live online
Real Madrid host Villarreal in the La Liga this week and Los Blancos will be looking to avenge their defeat against the away side from earlier this season.
The last time these two sides met, Real Madrid crashed to a 1-0 defeat. But the home side are a much-improved unit right now and are back in the title race having won their last three consecutive games, netting a total of 12 goals in the process.
After a series of poor performances, Barcelona are no longer leading the title race comfortably and Real Madrid are just one point adrift of their bitter rivals. The Spanish giants will be desperate to win this match and head to the top of the table if the Catalans drop any more points.
Real Madrid have won their last five games at the Santiago Bernabeu in all competitions, scoring 20 goals and conceding just once.
Meanwhile, Villarreal have had an impressive season by their standards but their good form took a hit last time out, with the away side falling to a 2-1 defeat against Rayo Vallecano.
They will be looking to replicate their home performance against Real Madrid here and hope to bounce back with a big win.
Team News
Real Madrid have a fully fit squad to choose from. There are no injury concerns for Zinedine Zidane.
The Frenchman will be delighted to have all of his stars fit and firing at his vital stage of the season.
As for Villarreal, Bruno and Antonio Rukavina both return from suspension.
Tomas Pina is still struggling with a knee problem and is expected to sit this out. Samu Castillejo has a strain and is expected to be sidelined as well.
Lineups
Real Madrid: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Kroos, Modric, Casemiro; Ronaldo, Benzema, Bale
Villarreal: Areola; Mario, Bailly, Ruiz, Rukavina; Santos, Trigueros, Bruno, Suarez; Bakambu, Soldado
Key Stats
Real Madrid have scored at least 3 goals in 10 of their last 11 home matches in La Liga.
Real Madrid are undefeated in 32 of their last 34 home matches in La Liga.
Real Madrid are undefeated in their last 14 home matches against Villarreal in all competitions.
From Soccerlens.com - Football News | Football Blog
