Villarreal CF vs RCD Espanyol Best odds and tips

Villarreal CF will be too strong for Espanyol on Sunday when the two clubs, who have plenty to play for, meet in La Liga. The Yellow Submarine are fifth in the 2024-2025 La Liga standings with 52 points from 31 games and have their sights firmly set on a European qualification place. Espanyol, who have 38 points from 31 games, are 13th in the table and will be looking to put as much distance between themselves and the bottom half as possible.

Villarreal are the clear favourites to win at 1.51, with Espanyol at 6.5 in the match result market, which is probably about right given the hosts have won the last two meetings between the clubs. Marcelino Garcia’s men are a well-oiled machine with a clear style of play that they have adhered to since he took charge last November. The Yellow Submarine are a patient, possession-based side that are fluid in their attacking transitions and always look to control the midfield. Dani Parejo’s presence has been a stabilising influence on Villarreal, providing the range of passing and calmness in build-up play that they have lacked at times in the past. Gerard Moreno remains the playmaker and orchestrator of Villarreal’s attacking play, while Ayoze Perez is the main goal threat with 14 in 24 La Liga appearances.

Manolo Gonzalez has instilled a sense of defensive discipline and counter-attacking threat to Espanyol since his appointment in March. The Catalan club are playing a compact 4-4-2 system, absorbing pressure well and hitting the hosts on the break with direct play. Roberto Fernandez has been in good form for Espanyol, scoring three goals in their last five games, while Javier Puado is their top scorer with ten in 28 La Liga appearances. Espanyol have won two and lost one of their last three away La Liga games, which is a big improvement on their overall road record of three wins and ten defeats from 15 away fixtures. Their two recent away wins were emphatic successes at Rayo Vallecano and Celta Vigo, so they will arrive in good spirits.