Villarreal CF host RC Deportivo at La Cerámica stadium this Friday in matchday 4 of LaLiga EA Sports. The match kicks off at 21:00 with the Yellow Submarine needing points after a shaky start that leaves them 15th in the table with just two points from three games. Deportivo's coach Antonio Hidalgo deals with the injury absence of Noé Carrillo and Adrià Altimira's suspension, while Villarreal misses right-back Juan Foyth, who is currently sidelined.
How is Deportivo approaching the match?
Antonio Hidalgo has a large squad of 27 players but can only name 23 for the trip to La Cerámica. The Galician manager will have his recent signings, José María Giménez and Marc Casadó, available. On their condition, Hidalgo said: "Josema comes from doing pre-season, from participating in the league. And Marc is a slightly different situation but they are ready to help us." Giménez, a recent arrival, could take Bright Ede's starting spot in central defence. Leo Román will start in goal, with Ximo Navarro, Giacomo Quagliata, Lucas Noubi, and either Giménez or Ede completing the back line.
Who are the midfield pillars?
In Deportivo's midfield, Amatucci and Mario Soriano are considered undisputed starters. Luismi is performing at a good level, while Riki acts as a rotational player in that area. Asp Jensen, who started the first two matchdays, could see his place under threat. In attack, the striking pair would be Aubameyang and Bil Nsongo. The visiting team seeks its first win of the season against a Villarreal side that has conceded five goals and scored only four, with a -1 goal difference.
What changes will Villarreal make?
Juan Foyth's absence forces an adjustment in Villarreal CF's defence. Pau Navarro is expected to take his place in the starting eleven. The team also has one eye on their next Champions League commitment, an away match against Borussia Dortmund the following Tuesday. This circumstance could influence the yellow team's tactical decisions and rotations. Villarreal's possible lineup for this league clash would feature Luiz Júnior in goal; a defence with Mouriño, Pau Navarro, Renato Veiga, and Carlos Romero; a midfield with Pépé, Gueye, and Comesaña; and an attack with Buchanan supporting Ayoze Pérez and Mikautadze.
What is Villarreal's current context?
Villarreal CF arrives at this match after a difficult start to the season, with LDD form in their last three games. With those two points, the team finds itself seven points behind leaders Barcelona. The need to get three points is clear to start climbing the standings. The next challenge after Deportivo will be at home against Real Betis, seventh in the table, on September 14. A review of the team's statistics is available on our stats page.
Antonio Hidalgo kept the mystery about his final lineup until the last moment, stating simply: "Mañana lo verás" (You'll see it tomorrow). The match at La Cerámica represents an opportunity for Villarreal CF to end their draw streak and secure a win to build momentum before their trip to Dortmund.
