Villarreal CF faces Atlético Madrid in a La Liga match this Sunday, 23rd August. The game, to be played at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid with a 4pm BST kick-off, sees Íñigo Pérez's side sitting 10th in the table with 2 points from two draws.
According to the report from www.google.com, the Yellow Submarine approaches the clash with a nearly full-strength squad. Argentine defender Juan Foyth has fully recovered from his long-term Achilles injury and played the first league match. Both forward Gerard Moreno and midfielder Santi Comesaña have shaken off minor knocks and are training without restrictions.
Who will play in central midfield?
The main tactical dilemma for Villarreal CF centres on the central pivot position. Íñigo Pérez is expected to employ a 1-4-4-2 formation, but must decide who partners Pape Gueye in the middle. Youngster Carlos Maciá has impressed the coaching staff in training, creating a direct battle with the experienced Santi Comesaña for that spot. This decision will be key to countering Atlético's play.
On the wings, Nicolas Pépé and Alberto Moleiro are expected to provide width and creativity. The attack will likely feature Gerard Moreno and Georges Mikautadze. Villarreal's predicted lineup, according to the source, is: Junior; Mourino, Foyth, Veiga, Romero; Comesana, Gueye; Pepe, Moreno, Moleiro; Mikautadze.
How is the team shaping up after the first draw?
Villarreal CF started their La Liga campaign with a 2-2 draw away at Racing Santander. Significantly, the team came back from a 2-0 deficit, showing character but also exposing some defensive vulnerabilities that need addressing. So far this season, the team has scored 4 goals and conceded 4, with a zero goal difference.
The team is 4 points behind leaders Barcelona in this very early stage of the championship. Fans can check the full standings on our standings page. The next fixture after the Madrid trip is at home against Deportivo La Coruna on 5th September, another opponent just below them in 11th place.
What is Atlético Madrid's approach?
The direct rival, managed by Diego Simeone, comes off a 2-0 home win against Málaga CF. Two players who came off the bench and scored in that match, South Korean Lee Kang-in and Spaniard Álex Baena, are pushing for a starting spot, possibly at the expense of Carlos Martín and Arnau Ortiz.
Atlético has some significant absences. Striker Alexander Sørloth is ruled out with a persistent muscle injury, while Thomas Lemar and Cristian Romero are also sidelined. However, they get a boost from the return of a fully fit Julián Álvarez. Simeone is leaning toward a 1-4-1-4-1 setup, with Koke anchoring the deep midfield. Their predicted lineup is: Oblak; Llorente, Hancko, Le Normand, Grimaldo; Barrios, Koke; Simeone, Kang-in, Baena; Lookman.
Where and when to watch the match?
The clash between Atlético Madrid and Villarreal CF is scheduled for Sunday, 23rd August at 4pm BST (5pm local time). For followers in the UK, the match will be broadcast live on Premier Sports 1. For other fans, local streaming and TV options will vary.
This match is an important test for Villarreal CF's European aspirations in this fledgling season. A positive result at the colchonero's fortress would provide a major morale boost before returning to the Cerámica. All updated squad information is available in our squad section.
