Real Madrid host Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabéu in one of Saturday’s four La Liga fixtures, needing a response after their derby defeat. Villarreal arrive on back-to-back league wins following a winless start.

Mbappé expected to be available for Real Madrid

After suffering a 2-1 defeat in the derby against Atlético Madrid, Los Blancos cannot afford many more setbacks in the league. They are already six points behind Barcelona in the title race, with José Mourinho’s second spell in charge not going to plan.

Dean Huijsen is suspended after his derby red card, while Raúl Asencio, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy are injured. Three of Mourinho’s four absentees are defenders, and Fede Valverde is doubtful.

In better news for the hosts, Kylian Mbappé looks to have shaken off the fitness issues that forced him to pull out of the France squad. The 27-year-old has scored eight times in eight outings across all competitions for the Spanish giants this term.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Villarreal (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Rüdiger, Cucurella; Silva, Tchouaméni; Güler, Bellingham, Vinícius; Mbappé.

Villarreal recovering from slow start under Pérez

After failing to win any of their opening six matches under Iñigo Pérez, Villarreal finally found some momentum just before the internationals. Back-to-back 3-1 victories over Málaga and Levante lifted spirits in their camp.

The 38-year-old coach could still make a few changes to the side that triumphed last time out. One of those will be enforced by an injury to Tajon Buchanan. Ayoze Pérez should continue up front, after registering a goal and an assist across his last two appearances.

Aside from Buchanan, the Yellow Submarine should be at full strength. Santi Comesaña is fit again, but Pape Gueye, who scored twice at Málaga, and Nathan Saliba may be the preferred midfield pair.

Villarreal predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Gulácsi; Freeman, Navarro, Veiga, Romero; Saliba, Gueye; Akhomach, Moleiro, Pépé; Ayoze.

Real Madrid vs Villarreal Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Both teams to score
  • Odds: 1.49 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Real Madrid 3-1 Villarreal
  • 22Bet Booking Code: PZ472

Key stats:

  • Four of the previous six meetings between these clubs have seen both teams score.
  • The last four clashes at the Bernabéu involving Real Madrid and Villarreal have produced 16 goals in total.
  • 88% of Villarreal’s competitive fixtures this term have finished with goals at each end.

Mourinho hasn’t found the right balance at the back yet, and his side are hampered further by the absence of Huijsen in central defence. Both teams have scored in all of the previous four Real Madrid matches and that bet is the safe play at odds of 1.49.

Villarreal threaten on the break through Pépé and Akhomach, and have gone 22 competitive matches without a clean sheet. The main risk is a Madrid shutout, but the guests netted three in each of their last two league matches, making both teams to score the logical play at 1.49.

Real Madrid vs Villarreal Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Real Madrid to score over 2.5 goals
  • Odds: 1.75 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: TKL72

Villarreal have conceded 1.71 goals per game on average in La Liga this season. Real Madrid average 2.57 goals per league match this term.

Backing Madrid to score over 2.5 goals offers value at 1.75. With Mbappé likely to start, all of the regular attackers should feature for the hosts. Los Blancos have netted exactly four times in each of their three home league fixtures so far this term.

Verdict: Both teams to score (1.49) — Real Madrid 3-1 Villarreal.