Two teams that began their 2024-25 La Liga campaigns with 2-2 draws will face off at Estadio Ramon on Friday evening, as Sevilla host Villarreal in what promises to be an intriguing encounter.
Sevilla were held to a draw by Las Palmas in their season opener, while Villarreal managed to secure a point against Atletico Madrid at Estadio de la Ceramica.
In this preview, we'll break down the Sevilla vs Villarreal match and offer a prediction on how the match might unfold.
Quick stats
- Sevilla has lost 67% of their last 3 home matches in La Liga
- Villarreal comes into the game with 3 draws in their last 6 matches.
- In past head-to-head matchups, Sevilla and Villarreal have ended in draws 3 times in their last 6 encounters.
- Sevilla haven't lost to Villarreal in 19 of their 22 most recent home games in La Liga
- Villarreal haven't lost a match in 17 of their last 19 matches in La Liga
Match preview
Garcia Pimienta's tenure as Sevilla head coach began with a mixed result, as his side played out a 2-2 draw against Las Palmas in their La Liga opener last Friday. Despite twice taking the lead in Gran Canaria, Sevilla were unable to secure all three points, with Sandro Ramirez’s equalizer in the 71st minute canceling out Juanlu Sanchez’s go-ahead goal just past the hour mark.
After finishing a disappointing 14th in La Liga last season—their worst top-flight campaign since their 2000 relegation—Sevilla are eager to climb back into European contention. However, questions remain over whether the squad has the depth and quality to challenge for a top-four finish, especially after a summer of significant changes.
Kelechi Iheanacho missed Sevilla’s opener due to registration issues linked to La Liga’s stringent financial rules. The club is reportedly close to resolving this, with the sale of Argentina defender Marcos Acuna to River Plate expected to free up space in the squad. If all goes to plan, Iheanacho could make his La Liga debut against Villarreal on Friday.
On the other side, Villarreal enter the match off the back of their own 2-2 draw, this time against Atletico Madrid. Despite leading twice in the match through goals from Arnaut Danjuma and an own goal by Koke, the Yellow Submarine couldn’t hold on, with Alexander Sorloth equalizing just before half-time.
Villarreal’s eighth-place finish last season was a letdown by their standards, and like Sevilla, they will be looking to get their first win of the campaign. The two sides shared the spoils in their last La Liga meeting, drawing 1-1, but Villarreal have had the upper hand recently, with Sevilla managing just one win in their last five encounters.
In addition to Iheanacho, Sevilla fans will be eager to see more of Chidera Ejuke, who impressed in pre-season but was surprisingly left on the bench for the entire game against Las Palmas. Garcia Pimienta explained his decision by emphasizing the need for a more traditional wide player who could deliver crosses—a role that went to Luis Ocampos.
However, Ejuke’s ability to cut inside and create chances could be key against Villarreal, and he’ll be hoping to make his mark in this crucial early-season fixture.
Sevilla vs Villarreal H2H
Last 5 Games
- May 2024: Villarreal 3-2 Sevilla
- December 2023: Sevilla 1-1 Villarreal
- April 2023: Sevilla 2-1 Villarreal
- September 2022: Villarreal 1-1Sevilla
- May 2022: Sevilla 1-1 Las Palmas
Sevilla vs Villarreal prediction
Given the history between the two sides and their performances in the opening round of La Liga, a closely contested match seems likely. Both Sevilla and Villarreal have shown their attacking capabilities, but they also have vulnerabilities that the other could exploit. With Sevilla eager to secure their first win under Garcia Pimienta and Villarreal looking to build on their draw against Atletico Madrid, the match could easily swing either way.
However, considering the evenly matched nature of both teams and their recent encounters, a draw appears to be the most probable outcome. A 1-1 scoreline, similar to their last meeting, seems a fair prediction, though a narrow win for either side wouldn’t be surprising.
Ultimately, it could come down to who takes their chances in what promises to be a tightly contested Sevilla vs Villarreal fixture.
Predicted lineups
Sevilla possible starting lineup:
Nyland; Carmona, Nianzou, Gudelj, Pedrosa; Agoume, Sow; Ejuke Saul, J Sanchez; Iheanacho
Villarreal possible starting lineup:
Junior; Femenia, Albiol, Bailly, Cardona; Pino, Parejo, Comesana, Baena; G Moreno, Danjuma
