Málaga remain winless on their long-awaited return to La Liga. The Andalusians are hoping to secure three points for the first time when they welcome Villarreal to La Rosaleda.

Injury-hit Málaga looking for youngsters to step up

A 1-1 draw away to Celta Vigo on Sunday was the best result of the season to date for Málaga. Adrián Niño came off the bench to score the equaliser, but that may not be enough to secure a starting role. Chupete is the established striker, after he netted 24 times in 39 appearances in the Segunda División last season.

Los Boquerones didn’t invest heavily in their young squad this summer. That means many of their stars from last term need to adjust quickly to the demands of the top flight.

Injuries have contributed to their slow start. Diego Murillo, Julen Lobete, Aarón Ochoa and Moussa Diarra are all sidelined, while Fernando Calero is an additional doubt for this game.

Málaga predicted lineup vs Villarreal (4-2-3-1): Herrero; Puga, Recio, Galilea, Rafita; Dotor, P. Martínez; Larrubia, Lorenzo, Cruz; Chupete.

Pressure building on Pérez as Villarreal continue to struggle

Defensive problems have been the main factor behind Villarreal’s failure to win so far this season. Iñigo Pérez is expected to make changes following a 2-1 defeat against Real Betis on Monday.

The Yellow Submarine boss could recall the likes of Nathan Saliba, Alex Freeman and Alberto Moleiro. Despite his failure to score in five appearances across all competitions, the fresh legs of Tani Oluwaseyi could also be preferred up front.

Juan Foyth is the only expected injury absentee for the visitors. Carlos Romero has shaken off a fitness issue and featured last time out, but he could lose his place to Sergi Cardona at left-back.

Villarreal predicted lineup vs Málaga (4-2-3-1): Gulácsi; Freeman, Navarro, Veiga, Cardona; Gueye, Saliba; Pépé, G. Moreno, Moleiro; Oluwaseyi.

Málaga vs Villarreal Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Both teams to score
  • Odds: 1.56 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Málaga 1-2 Villarreal
  • 22Bet Booking Code: PYP6T

Key stats:

  • Villarreal haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their past 20 competitive matches.
  • Both teams have scored in five of the six games involving the Yellow Submarine so far this term.
  • Málaga scored 1.79 goals per 90 in the regular season of the 2025/26 Segunda División.

Villarreal are paying the price for their failure to invest more heavily in the goalkeeping and defensive department. They’ve conceded 13 times across their six competitive outings, but have looked dangerous going forward, scoring twice in four of those matches.

Málaga boss Juanfran Funes favours an attacking style of play. There was evidence of that in pre-season, with all five of their friendlies producing goals for each side. Backing both teams to score is a safe pick, with the two coaches each likely to chase three points.

Málaga vs Villarreal Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Second half - Over 1.5 goals
  • Odds: 1.885 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: P4R6T

Villarreal’s recent away games have opened up in the second half. All five goals in their 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund last week came after the interval. Their 2-2 draw against Atlético Madrid in August was also goalless at the break.

Given that, backing the second half of this match to produce over 1.5 goals offers value at odds of 1.885.

Verdict: Both teams to score (1.56) — Málaga 1-2 Villarreal