Villarreal CF urgently need a positive result this Wednesday at La Rosaleda to halt a worrying run of four consecutive defeats. Marcelino García Toral's side face a Malaga team that is also winless in their first five league games, in a matchday six clash that represents a key opportunity for both.
The Yellow Submarine arrive after a 1-2 home loss to Real Betis at El Madrigal last Saturday, a blow that leaves the team with just one point from the last fifteen available domestically. The situation worsens when adding European setbacks, with the defeat to Borussia Dortmund complicating their Champions League picture. Marcelino has had little time to work after the weekend match, but adjustments are expected in the starting eleven to try and recover defensive solidity.
Malaga's Preview
The Malaga team, managed by Pepe Mel, has drawn two of its last two matches, showing some improvement after a tough start to the season. Their last outing was a 1-1 draw at Balaídos against Celta Vigo, where they showed character to come back from a goal down. At home, however, they are yet to win, with a goalless draw against Levante their only point at La Rosaleda. Mel's typical setup is a 4-4-2, with Alfonso Herrero in goal and veterans like Rafita and Joaquín Muñoz providing experience.
For Villarreal, the main doubt remains in goal, where Péter Gulácsi could lose his place to Filip Jörgensen after conceding seven goals in the last two matches. In defence, the injury absence of Aïssa Mandi makes Pau Navarro and Santiago Mouriño almost certain starters, with Renato Veiga and Carlos Romero competing for the left-back spot. In midfield, the absence of Dani Parejo, who remains a doubt with a muscle issue, forces Santi Comesaña and Pape Gueye to take on greater creative responsibility.
The attack is the strongest area, with Gerard Moreno and Georges Mikautadze looking to rediscover their scoring touch. The yellow captain is the team's top scorer in the league with three goals, but he needs more support from his teammates. Tajon Buchanan and Nicolas Pépé, on the wings, have the mission of providing width and unpredictability to break down Malaga's block.
A Match of Need
Both teams see themselves reflected in a league table that does not favour them. Villarreal sits in 17th place with just four points, while Malaga is bottom with two. A win for the visitors would allow them to breathe and move away from the relegation spots, as well as recover confidence for a demanding schedule. After this match, the team faces Athletic Club at El Madrigal, another key direct duel in the fight to climb the table.
Recent history slightly favours the side from Castellón Province, who won the last meeting between the two last April. However, the current context is very different and the urgency to get points is at its peak in both dressing rooms. Marcelino has asked his players for more intensity from the first minute and better management of key moments in matches, mistakes that have cost them valuable points in recent weeks. The match at La Rosaleda kicks off this Wednesday at 21:30 local time and is an unmissable appointment to gauge the true reaction capacity of this Villarreal side.
