PSG sweep aside everyone in their path — are Villarreal next? Villarreal vs. PSG prediction
On November 3, Villarreal will host PSG in the fourth round of the Champions League league phase. The Spanish side have collected three points and sit 19th, while the Parisians have won all three of their matches and lead the standings. Luis Enrique’s team could claim a tenth consecutive victory, but the hosts are determined to end the French club’s impressive run.
Villarreal: inconsistent results and defensive problems
Villarreal continue to alternate impressive performances with disappointing results. After victories over Valencia and Manacor, the team stumbled again, losing to Espanyol. Marcelino’s side have collected just 12 points from 11 rounds in La Liga, leaving them only two points clear of the relegation zone. Their Champions League campaign has been only marginally better: a win over Napoli followed by defeats to Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool. All three matches were high-scoring, with an average of 5.33 goals scored per game involving the Spanish side.
The hosts’ main problem lies in defence. Villarreal have scored eight goals in their three Champions League matches, but they have conceded just as many. Ahead of the clash with PSG, the team have also suffered a major personnel setback: Gerard Moreno picked up an injury, so the Spanish side are likely to play with a lone centre-forward. On the positive side, Pape Gueye returns from suspension and should strengthen the midfield. The hosts’ main hope is their prolific attack, which is capable of creating chances even against top-level opponents.
PSG: nine straight wins and the Champions League’s best attack
The Parisians have completely overcome their poor start to the season and are in impressive form. Since September 9, Luis Enrique’s team have won six consecutive Ligue 1 matches, allowing them to return to the top of the table. PSG have also taken maximum points in the Champions League, beating Slovan, Manchester City and Barcelona in succession. The French champions have scored 14 goals in three rounds — more than any other team in the competition. Even against European giants, the Parisians scored four times.
PSG are particularly dangerous thanks to the depth of their squad. In their latest league match, Enrique rested most of his key players, including Vitinha, João Neves, Fabián Ruiz and Désiré Doué. All of them are expected to return to the starting XI against Villarreal. At the same time, the French defence is far from flawless: the team have conceded five goals in three Champions League matches and have yet to keep a clean sheet. However, their powerful attack regularly makes up for defensive mistakes, as demonstrated by their recent comeback victory over Le Havre (5-1).
Match facts and head-to-head record
- PSG have won their last nine matches in all competitions
- Villarreal have scored eight goals and conceded eight in their three Champions League matches
- At least four goals were scored in three of the last four Champions League matches involving either team
Can Villarreal stop PSG? Villarreal vs. PSG prediction
Villarreal are capable of causing problems for even the strongest opponents, but their inconsistency and high number of goals conceded severely limit their chances. Against the competition’s best attack, such mistakes could prove decisive.
PSG head into the match in excellent form, while the return of their rested key players makes the visitors even more dangerous. The Parisians may concede, but their attacking firepower gives them every chance of securing a comfortable victory. We expect a high-scoring match with the French club coming out on top.
