The clash between Villarreal and Atletico Madrid has been shifted to Sunday so fans across Nigeria and beyond can focus fully on this battle for third place in La Liga. Both sides sit on 69 points with identical goal differences of plus 22 and only a win will guarantee the prized position at the end of the season. This is the kind of high stakes game that gets people talking in betting shops from Lagos to Abuja as the types for the day lean heavily toward experience winning out.
Team Form
Villarreal have stumbled badly in their last three outings after looking set to wrap up third spot earlier. They picked up just one point from draws and losses against Mallorca Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano leaving their fans frustrated. Atletico on the other hand have shown real steel by grinding out narrow victories over Osasuna and Girona keeping their hopes alive right to the final day.
- Villarreal recorded one draw and two defeats in their last three matches
- Atletico kept clean sheets in their previous two league games
- Both teams boast the same points and goal difference heading into the clash
- Marcelino ends his time at Villarreal while Griezmann plays his final match for Atletico
Tactical Analysis
Marcelino will want to sign off with a big result and hand Villarreal the highest finish possible under his watch while Diego Simeone has built a side that rarely gives anything away on the road. Griezmann farewell adds extra emotion to the visitors camp and they may look to control the midfield with compact lines before hitting on the counter. Villarreal possess dangerous wide players but their recent defensive lapses could prove costly against an Atletico team that thrives on set pieces and late pressure.
Strengths for the home side include quick transitions and a lively attack but they have shown vulnerability at the back lately. Atletico bring maturity organisation and the know how to protect a result even away from home which makes them favourites to collect at least a point in this decider.
Betting Proposal
With both clubs needing the three points the safest route is to back the side with more know how to avoid defeat on the road. Atletico have the defensive shape and big match mentality to come away with something positive from this encounter. Atletico Madrid to win or draw with zero handicap at odds of 2.00 looks the smart play for the weekend
