Villarreal vs Espanyol: Lineups, Predictions & Betting Tips

Villarreal vs Espanyol: Lineups, Predictions & Betting Tips

Match Details: February 9, 2026 | Estadio de la Ceramica | LaLiga | 20:00 GMT

This Monday sees Villarreal play host to Espanyol in what may turn out to be a vital game in European qualification come the end of the season. As of writing both teams sit in places that make them eligible for Europe next campaign, Villarreal in the Champions League and Espanyol in the Europa Conference League.

Key Betting Tip: Both Teams To Score at 1.75 odds represents excellent value based on the tip provided by our team of in-house tipsters.

Villarreal vs Espanyol Predicted Lineups:

Villarreal (4-2-2): Junior, Mourino, Marin, Veiga, Pedraza, Pepe, Parejo, Gueye, Moleiro, Moreno, Mikautadze

Espanyol (4-2-2): Dmitrovic, Riedel, Calero, Cabrera, Romero, Carreras, Gonzalez, Exposito, Terrats, Fernandez, Garcia

Head to Head Record Evaluation:

1. Espanyol 0-2 Villarreal | 08/11/25
2. Villarreal 1-0 Espanyol | 27/04/25
3. Espanyol 1-2 Villarreal | 26/09/24
4. Villarreal 4-2 Espanyol | 27/04/23
5. Espanyol 0-1 Villarreal | 09/11/22

In the sides past 5 meetings it's clear to see that Villarreal have been the dominant force, they have won every single one of the matchups. Interestingly, some of the games have been close between the sides with 2 1-0 victories and a 2-1 for Villarreal.

Statistically Villarreal are more dominant at home which bodes well for this tie however they can do it home or away, it's also interestingly better for Espanyol to play away as they have actually been able to score at the Estadio de la Ceramica.

Recent Villarreal vs Espanyol Form Analysis:

Last 5 Villarreal Games:

1. Real Betis 2-0 Villarreal
2. Villarreal 1-2 Ajax
3. Villarreal 0-2 Real Madrid
4. Leverkusen 3-0 Villarreal
5. Osasuna 2-2 Villarreal

They may well still be in a spot for the Champions League next season however if Villarreal continue their current form they won't stay in this position for long. They have only been able to draw as their best result in their last 5 across all competitions and have lost all of the other 4 matches they have played.

The defence has been a huge issue for Villarreal in their last 5 and it's very grim viewing for their fans to look at the goals conceded, they have seen 11 shipped into their own net in the last 5 at a rate of over 2 per game. Up front has not been much better, the side have only been able to net 3 in 5 however with 2 of these coming just last match there is a potential that the attack is beginning to refire.

Last 5 Espanyol Games:

1. Espanyol 0-2 Barcelona
2. Levante 1-1 Espanyol
3. Espanyol 0-2 Girona
4. Valencia 3-2 Espanyol
5. Espanyol 1-2 Deportivo Alaves

It's a miracle that either of these sides are sitting in positions that would see them in European competitions next campaign when viewing their form over the last 5 games. Espanyol have shown identical form to their upcoming opponents also only being able to manage a draw as their best result and losing the other 4.

Similarly for Espanyol the defence has been one of the key reasons for such poor form in their last 5 across all competitions, they have been unable to keep a single clean sheet and have conceded 10. Up front they have shown slightly better output than Villarreal with 4 scored but still hardly enough to get the fans excited.

Villarreal vs Espanyol Predictions:

Our advanced algorithm analyses over 200 data points to generate these predictions with 73.3% confidence in Both Teams To Score. The model factors in current form, head-to-head records, player availability, and tactical matchups.

Best Villarreal vs Espanyol Betting Tips:

Football Park's Best Bet: Both Teams To Score @ 1.75 - Our team of in-house betting tipsters have predicted Both Teams To Score in this fixture. Their respective form, individual quality, and head-to-head record justify confidence in this selection.

Key Players To Watch:

Alberto Moleiro (Villarreal):

Moleiro has been a hugely influential component of Villarreal's side so far this season and deserves a huge amount of credit for how much he has done so far this season. In the league he is the side's highest contributor with 11, 8 goals and 3 assists, this record makes him not only the top goal scorer in the league for the club but also the joint top assist provider.

Roberto Fernandez (Espanyol):

With 7 in league attacking contributions Roberto Fernandez has been critical in Espanyol's current European qualification spot. He has 5 goals and 2 assists so far this domestic campaign and looks like he's set to add much more to this tally. Last time out against Alaves he was able to bag a goal which should fill him with confidence ahead of this potentially crucial for European football game.

Villarreal vs Espanyol Match Facts:

Broadcast Details: DAZN (UK), Various Regional Broadcasters (Rest Of World)

Stadium Information: The game will take place at Estadio de la Ceramica in Villarreal, Spain, home of Villarreal. The stadium has a capacity of 24,500.