Málaga rarely score, while Villarreal have lost four straight matches: Málaga vs Villarreal prediction
The sixth-round La Liga clash between Málaga and Villarreal will take place on September 17 at La Rosaleda Stadium. Neither team has won yet: the hosts have collected three points and sit 17th, while the visitors have two points and are in the relegation zone.
Málaga: three draws and problems in attack
Juan Francisco Funes’ side, back in La Liga, have yet to win a single match — three draws and two defeats. In the previous round, Málaga drew 1-1 with Celta, earning their third point in the last four matches.
The hosts’ main problem is their scoring: the team have found the net just twice in five rounds. In addition, Málaga still have an extensive list of injured players and others whose participation remains doubtful ahead of this match.
Villarreal: losing streak continues
Villarreal opened the season with draws against Racing and Atlético, but then went on to lose to Alavés, Deportivo and Betis. In between those matches, the team also suffered a 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
As a result, the visitors have suffered four consecutive defeats in all competitions. At the same time, Villarreal still have a strong squad, while Gerard Moreno, Nicolas Pépé and Georges Mikautadze should give the team more options in attack.
Match facts and head-to-head meetings
- Neither team have won in the current La Liga campaign.
- Málaga have scored just two goals in their opening five rounds.
- Villarreal have won five of their last seven head-to-head meetings, although the previous encounter in 2018 ended with a 1-0 victory for Málaga.
The visitors should end their prolonged losing streak: Málaga vs Villarreal prediction
Both teams are under pressure, so the match is unlikely to be straightforward for the favourites. Málaga regularly manage to hold on for draws, but their poor scoring record severely limits their options.
Villarreal have made a poor start to the season, but they possess a higher-quality attacking line. With the hosts struggling to create and convert chances, the visitors could finally claim their first victory.
