Villarreal have started the 2026/27 La Liga season with back-to-back draws. They’re hoping to go one better by seeing off Alavés at Mendizorrotza on Friday night.

Mariano rediscovering his best form for Alavés

With four points from two matches, Alavés will be very happy with their opening results. They have no notable selection issues, which leaves Quique Sánchez Flores free to pick his strongest lineup in this match.

He currently has three solid options in attack. After several poor seasons, Mariano Díaz has been a surprise hit with two goals and two assists from just 61 minutes of action. He’s pushing for a starting role ahead of either Toni Martínez or Lucas Boyé.

Otherwise, major changes are not expected from the 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano. Sánchez Flores will be looking to wing-backs Abde Rebbach and Ángel Pérez to provide width.

Alavés predicted lineup vs Villarreal (3-5-2): Sivera; Tenaglia, Koski, Jonny; Pérez, Blanco, Ibáñez, M. Rodríguez, Rebbach; Martínez, Mariano.

Pérez’s Villarreal already starting to take shape

It has been a reasonable beginning for new Villarreal coach Iñigo Pérez. His team competed well in a 2-2 draw away to Atlético Madrid at the weekend, with Gerard Moreno and Georges Mikautadze both scoring penalties.

Pérez’s team already have a settled feel to it, with few doubts about his best lineup. Alassane Diatta is available again following suspension, but is only likely to make the bench. The main competition is between Moreno and Ayoze Pérez, with the duo capable of offering support to Mikautadze.

Alberto Moleiro is another key attacking player on the left flank. He has registered 10 goals and six assists in La Liga since joining the Yellow Submarine last summer.

Villarreal predicted lineup vs Alavés (4-2-3-1): Júnior; Mouriño, Foyth, Veiga, Romero; Comesaña, Gueye; Pépé, Moreno, Moleiro; Mikautadze.

Alavés vs Villarreal Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Villarreal to win or draw
  • Odds: 1.42 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Alavés 1-2 Villarreal
  • 22Bet Booking Code: FUZQD

Key stats:

  • Alavés have only won one of the previous six meetings between the clubs.
  • The Basque side won just two of their final 10 competitive home fixtures last term.
  • It’s only two defeats in 10 league outings for Villarreal.

Having finished third last season, Villarreal again look like very strong candidates for Champions League qualification. They played well against Atleti last time out, creating all of the six big chances in the contest.

Even a slight dip from that level won’t prevent them from having the better of this match. Backing the visitors to win or draw is a safe pick. Alavés are significantly weaker than their opponents in midfield, and they’ve only scored three goals across the past four meetings.

Alavés vs Villarreal Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Georges Mikautadze to score a goal including substitutions
  • Odds: 2.209 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 1N16D

Mikautadze scored 13 times in 32 appearances during his debut season in La Liga. He’s capable of bettering that tally this term, as Pérez’s more intense attacking style will suit him.

The Georgian international is averaging 4.5 shots per game so far. He offers value to grab a goal in this encounter at odds of 2.209.

Verdict: Villarreal to win or draw (1.42) — Alavés 1-2 Villarreal