Villarreal are chasing their first victory of the season in their opening home game. They welcome big-spending Deportivo La Coruña to the Estadio de la Cerámica.

Villarreal to make changes after surprise loss

A 1-0 defeat at Alavés was a setback for Villarreal last time out, following a really bright display in their 2-2 draw against Atlético Madrid. Iñigo Pérez may opt for changes, with Ayoze pushing for a recall in attack.

The Yellow Submarine boss will need to start thinking about rotation, with his team’s Champions League campaign kicking off next week. He may also be forced into a defensive switch, given Juan Foyth is an injury doubt.

Georges Mikautadze will continue to lead the line, while Alberto Moleiro is set to be recalled on the left flank. The 22-year-old registered 10 goals and five assists in 37 appearances in La Liga 2025/26.

Villarreal predicted lineup vs Deportivo La Coruña (4-2-3-1): Júnior; Freeman, Navarro, Veiga, Romero; Comesaña, Gueye; Pépé, Ayoze, Moleiro; Mikautadze.

Deportivo La Coruña spending spree ends with two more additions

It has been an incredibly active summer in the transfer market at Deportivo La Coruña. They’ve spent €26m on new signings, which is a very significant sum for a newly promoted club in Spain.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has already proven a shrewd addition. The veteran forward has scored three of the Galician club’s five goals so far this term, including a strike in the 3-1 victory over Valencia last time out.

Depor concluded their business with two high-profile loan signings earlier this week. Marc Casadó joined from Barcelona, and José María Giménez arrived from Atlético Madrid, with purchase options included in each deal. The duo could both feature off the bench for the visitors, who are missing the suspended Adrià Altimira.

Deportivo La Coruña predicted lineup vs Villarreal (4-4-2): Román; Navarro, Noubi, Ede, Quagliata; Mario, Amatucci, Luismi, Riki; Bil Nsongo, Aubameyang.

Villarreal vs Deportivo La Coruña Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Over 2 goals
  • Odds: 1.32 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Villarreal 3-2 Deportivo La Coruña
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 15K97

Key stats:

  • There were eight goals scored across the two meetings the last time Deportivo La Coruña were in the top flight.
  • Villarreal’s league matches this term are averaging three goals per 90 minutes.
  • All of Depor’s past six competitive games have produced at least two goals.

Backing this match to produce over 2 goals is a smart strategy. There have been two or more goals scored in 10 of the past 11 Villarreal matches in La Liga. The hosts currently have all of their attacking players available, and there have been few changes in that department since a strong 2025/26 campaign.

Deportivo La Coruña have shown plenty of attacking intent in their opening games. Those fixtures have averaged 2.67 goals per 90 minutes. With Aubameyang in great form up front, they have enough quality to ask questions of the home defence.

Villarreal vs Deportivo La Coruña Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Villarreal to win & Both teams to score
  • Odds: 3.04 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: MRL97

Villarreal secured a third-place finish last season, but they’ve looked unconvincing defensively throughout much of 2026. They’ve gone 17 competitive matches without a clean sheet.

The Yellow Submarine did win 79% of their home league games last term. Given those trends, backing them to triumph in a contest that sees both teams score offers value.

Verdict: Over 2 goals (1.32) — Villarreal 3-2 Deportivo La Coruña