Both teams will be hugely disappointed by how their La Liga campaigns have played out so far. Villarreal finished 5th last season, today they are 18th and in the drop zone, a point from safety and four adrift of the team two places above them. Real are 3 points off Sevilla who are third, 5 behind Atletico and 8 adrift of leaders Barcelona, with today's game in hand. Hard to see how the visitors can get back into title contention without taking three points at El Madriga, where Villa have won just once all season. Real were away over Christmas , but are used to World Club Cup contentention and they eased to a win there and another trophy for the already rammed cabinet would have given a much needed boost. I must admit that match odds feel about right, but Real have led 2-0 here at half time in three of their last six visits in what have largely been pretty close encounters. They have also led at half time in 12 of their last 14 wins, including the last six and when we have seen the old Real turn up, it has usually been along with a fast start and when it has been their alter ego, it has, similarly, also been on show from the get go. Hosts are without suspended right back Mario Gaspar and with injuries will have to go with their third choice option in that position, with Miguel Layun not having actually started at RB this season (conceding 2 in 67 minutes when he has played there from off the bench) and that should have caught the attention of Gareth Bale who has scored on his last two visits to Villarreal and usually hits the New Year running , with 5 goals in three games to start 2016, four in three last year (missing the first month of 2017) . Good chance for him to get on the scoresheet tonight, but best value is probably with Real early.

 

 

1.5 units Real Madrid -0.5 ball 2.37 first half betting asian line/Sportmarket.

 

 

Good Luck.