Las Palmas vs Villarreal Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

This is an interesting game from a tactical perspective. Both teams like to keep the ball on the ground and play football but Las Palmas are generally the more positive team and will commit more players forward. Villarreal have been defending really well of late though and winning tough games away from home so the visitors look capable of edging this.

The Yellow Submarine look to have really turned a corner following their mid-season slump. European elimination has helped them really focus on the league and they are now in the hunt for a top four finish, following a run of 5 wins from 6 in all competitions. Their key strength this season has been their defence. They’ve conceded just 0.70 goals per game in La Liga, which is the best defensive record in the division.

Away from home, they’ve conceded just 0.54 goals per game which is a stunning record to have. They’ve only conceded 1 goal in their last 6 away matches and that is also a brilliant record, especially when you consider they’ve kept clean sheets at the likes of Sevilla, Real Sociedad and Celta Vigo during that run. All of those sides like to attack and have good home goal-scoring records, so they won’t be particularly concerned by Las Palmas’ average of 1.86 goals per home game this season in La Liga.

The side from Gran Canaria appear more comfortable when they face sides that look to attack them. Their best two performances this season have arguably both come against Real Madrid, who obviously committed lots of players forward and allowed them space to break into. Villarreal certainly won’t do that though and they are experts in stifling attacking sides so it could be a frustrating day for the hosts, who haven’t been in great form, with 5 of their last 7 league games ending in defeat.

On current form you’d back Villarreal to keep them quiet and they have just enough at the other end to capitalise on Las Palmas defensive errors, which do crop up from time to time. Villarreal have been rock solid on the road in recent weeks and have avoided defeat in 85% of their away league games this term. With Las Palmas not in great form and starting to lose a few home games, backing Villarreal 0.0 Asian Handicap at 2.03 looks to offer the best value here.