Deportivo Alaves vs Villarreal Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Friday, March 13th

Deportivo Alavés will host Villarreal at the Estadio Mendizorroza on Friday, March 13th, in what promises to be an intriguing LaLiga encounter. This match is crucial for both teams as they look to secure valuable points in the league standings. Deportivo Alavés, playing on their home turf, will aim to leverage their familiarity with the Estadio Mendizorroza to gain an advantage over Villarreal.

Villarreal, on the other hand, will be keen to assert their dominance and continue their pursuit of a higher position in the LaLiga table. Both teams have shown moments of brilliance this season, making this matchup one to watch. With the stakes high, this prediction, match preview, and betting tips will provide insights into how the game might unfold and the potential outcomes for bettors to consider.

Deportivo Alaves vs Villarreal Prediction & Betting tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Villarreal -1.50 (Asian Handicap)	4.25

For this match, backing Villarreal with a -1.5 Asian Handicap looks like a solid choice. Villarreal have demonstrated superior attacking prowess and the ability to control games in midfield, which should help them dominate possession and create more scoring opportunities. Deportivo Alavés, although defensively structured, have not won in their last five matches, suggesting they could struggle against Villarreal’s sustained pressure.

• Villarreal’s attacking quality and midfield control give them an edge in creating and converting scoring chances.
• Deportivo Alavés have not won in their last five matches, indicating potential vulnerabilities.
• Villarreal have a strong record of scoring in the second half, especially between the 46-60 minute mark, which could break down Alavés’ defence.

Betting Odds

As we look at the betting odds for Deportivo Alavés against Villarreal, it’s clear that the visitors are tipped as favourites with odds of 2.12. Alavés, playing at home, are priced at 3.39, while a draw stands at 3.4. This suggests a competitive match where the bookies see Villarreal as having the edge.

Betting Tip	Odds
Deportivo Alavés to win	3.39
Draw	3.4
Villarreal to win	2.12

For those keen on betting, the odds indicate potential value in backing Villarreal, but Alavés at home could spring a surprise. The draw also offers a tempting return for those expecting a stalemate.

Deportivo Alaves Analysis & Past Performance

Deportivo Alavés enter this fixture on a challenging run, having failed to secure a win in their last five LaLiga outings. Their recent performances include three losses and two draws, with a notable 3-2 defeat against Valencia in their most recent encounter. Alavés have managed to score in three of these matches, averaging 1.00 goals per game, but their defence has been less reliable, conceding an average of 2.00 goals per game, indicating vulnerabilities at the back.

Home Side	Away Side	Outcome	League	Date
Valencia	Deportivo Alavés	3 – 2 (Defeat)	LaLiga	8 Mar 2026
Levante	Deportivo Alavés	2 – 0 (Defeat)	LaLiga	27 Feb 2026
Deportivo Alavés	Girona	2 – 2 (Draw)	LaLiga	23 Feb 2026
Sevilla	Deportivo Alavés	1 – 1 (Draw)	LaLiga	14 Feb 2026
Deportivo Alavés	Getafe	0 – 2 (Defeat)	LaLiga	8 Feb 2026

Recent Form:
Deportivo Alavés have struggled to maintain defensive solidity, as evidenced by conceding 10 goals in their last five fixtures without securing any clean sheets. At home, their form is slightly better, having won two of their last five matches at Estadio Mendizorroza, showing a win ratio of 0.40 in home games. However, their inability to keep opponents from scoring in these matches highlights a pressing need for tactical adjustments in defence.

As they sit 16th in the league standings with 27 points, Alavés’s current form is a cause for concern. Their key player, Lucas Boyé, who has netted nine goals this season, remains a vital asset in their attacking setup. For Alavés to improve their league position, they must enhance both their defensive resilience and consistency in front of goal.

• LLDDL

Deportivo Alaves Suspensions & Injuries

The suspension of Ander Guevara is a significant blow for Deportivo Alavés, as he is a key player in their defensive setup. His absence due to a one-match ban for yellow/red card accumulation will necessitate a reshuffle in the backline. Jon Pacheco, also suspended for the same reason, compounds this defensive dilemma. This dual absence might force coach Quique Sánchez Flores to rely on less experienced options, potentially bringing in someone like Ville Koski to fill the void.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Ander Guevara	Yellow/red card	1	Unknown
Jon Pacheco	Yellow/red card	1	Unknown

In terms of injuries, Carlos Benavídez’s leg injury leaves him doubtful for the upcoming match. While not a regular starter, his absence reduces depth in midfield, limiting tactical flexibility. This could impact Alavés’ ability to adapt their midfield structure during the game, especially if faced with aggressive pressing from Villarreal.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Carlos Benavídez	Leg injury	Doubtful

With these suspensions and injuries, Deportivo Alavés may have to adopt a more conservative approach, potentially adjusting to a formation that offers more defensive stability. This situation could influence betting markets, as punters might see Villarreal as having an edge given Alavés’ compromised defensive options.

Deportivo Alaves Key Players

Lucas Boyé emerges as the focal point in Deportivo Alavés’ attacking strategy, having already netted 9 goals this season. His clinical finishing and ability to find space in tight defences make him a perpetual threat to Villarreal’s backline. Boyé’s partnership with Antonio Martínez in the forward line is expected to be pivotal, with Martínez providing the necessary support and creativity to open up scoring opportunities.

Deportivo Alavés will also rely heavily on Carles Aleñá in midfield, whose vision and passing range can dictate the pace of the game. Antonio Blanco, alongside Aleñá, is expected to add a layer of defensive solidity and transition the ball effectively from defence to attack. In defence, Jonny Otto’s experience and leadership are crucial for organising the backline, particularly against Villarreal’s potent attack.

Expected lineup for Deportivo Alavés:

• Goalkeeper: Antonio Sivera
• Defenders: Ander Guevara, Nahuel Tenaglia, Jonny Otto, Ville Koski
• Midfielders: Ángel Pérez, Antonio Blanco, Jon Guridi, Carles Aleñá
• Forwards: Antonio Martínez, Lucas Boyé

Deportivo Alaves Tactics and Formation

Deportivo Alavés Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Lucas Boyé
• Midfield Engine: Antonio Blanco and Jon Guridi
• Defensive Challenge: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on direct play and exploiting set-pieces.

Deportivo Alavés deploy a 4-4-2 formation, aiming for a balanced approach that facilitates both defensive organisation and offensive opportunities. With Lucas Boyé as the key forward, the team looks to capitalise on his ability to hold up play and create scoring chances. The midfield, anchored by Antonio Blanco and Jon Guridi, focuses on breaking up opposition play and launching quick transitions.

Defensively, Alavés have struggled to maintain clean sheets, conceding in each of their last five matches. The absence of Carlos Protesoni in the backline, replaced by Ville Koski, necessitates a reassessment of defensive strategies, particularly in terms of dealing with aerial threats and maintaining a compact shape.

Offensively, Alavés leverage direct play and set-pieces, aiming to exploit the physical presence of forwards like Antonio Martínez. While their recent form has been inconsistent, scoring in three of the last five games suggests potential in breaking through defences when given space and time.

Villarreal Analysis & Past Performance

Villarreal’s recent form has been somewhat inconsistent, with three wins and two losses in their last five matches. Notably, they secured a vital 2-1 victory against Elche, showcasing their ability to edge out close contests.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Villarreal	Elche	2 – 1 (Win)	LaLiga	8 Mar 2026
Barcelona	Villarreal	4 – 1 (Loss)	LaLiga	28 Feb 2026
Villarreal	Valencia	2 – 1 (Win)	LaLiga	22 Feb 2026
Levante	Villarreal	0 – 1 (Win)	LaLiga	18 Feb 2026
Getafe	Villarreal	2 – 1 (Loss)	LaLiga	14 Feb 2026

Recent Form:

• WLWWL

Villarreal have averaged 1.40 goals per game in their last five matches while conceding 1.60 on average, indicating a need for defensive improvement. Despite scoring in all their recent outings, they have managed just one clean sheet, highlighting vulnerabilities at the back. Away from home, Villarreal have struggled, with just one win in their last five away fixtures, reflecting a win ratio of only 20%. This disparity between home and away performances could be a critical factor in their upcoming challenges.

Villarreal Suspensions & Injuries

Villarreal will face Deportivo Alavés without several key players due to injuries, which could significantly impact their tactical setup. The absence of Juan Foyth, a crucial defensive asset, due to a cruciate ligament injury is a major blow, as he is out for the rest of the season. This will likely force Villarreal to rely on Álex Freeman and Rafa Marín to fill the void in defence, which could lead to vulnerabilities against Alavés’s attacking threats.

Pau Cabanes also remains sidelined, expected to return in early April, while Logan Costa, Ayoze Pérez, and Pau Navarro are doubtful for this fixture. The potential unavailability of these players limits Villarreal’s options, especially in terms of tactical flexibility and bench depth, which might necessitate a more conservative approach from coach Marcelino García.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Pau Cabanes	Cruciate ligament injury	Early April 2026
Juan Foyth	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Logan Costa	Physical discomfort	Doubtful
Ayoze Pérez	Muscle injury	Doubtful
Pau Navarro	Muscle injury	Doubtful

The uncertainty surrounding the fitness of Ayoze Pérez and Pau Navarro, both dealing with muscle injuries, leaves Villarreal’s attacking options thin. If they are unable to feature, Nicolas Pépé and Georges Mikautadze will need to be at their sharpest to make up for the attacking impetus lost. Villarreal’s ability to adapt to these absences will be crucial in determining their success in maintaining their form against Alavés.

With these injuries in mind, betting markets may see Villarreal as slightly weaker, potentially offering more value to bets favouring a closer contest or even an upset by Deportivo Alavés. The tactical adjustments forced by these absences could be pivotal in the match’s outcome, as Villarreal seek to balance their lineup effectively.

Villarreal Key Players

Villarreal’s offensive prowess is spearheaded by Alberto Moleiro, the team’s top scorer with 9 goals this season. Moleiro’s agility and keen sense for goal make him a formidable playmaker in midfield, often creating opportunities and transitioning swiftly into attack. His partnership with forwards Nicolas Pépé and Georges Mikautadze is crucial, as they provide the width and clinical finishing ability necessary to break down Deportivo Alavés’ defence.

Defensively, the presence of Santiago Mouriño and Rafa Marín offers solidity at the back. Their ability to read the game and intercept opposition plays will be crucial in maintaining a tight backline. In midfield, the work rate of Pape Gueye and the creativity of Santi Comesaña are expected to control the tempo and dictate the play, ensuring Villarreal’s dominance in possession.

Expected lineup for Villarreal:

• Goalkeeper: Luiz Júnior
• Defence: Santiago Mouriño, Álex Freeman, Rafa Marín, Sergi Cardona
• Midfield: Tajon Buchanan, Santi Comesaña, Pape Gueye, Alberto Moleiro
• Forward: Nicolas Pépé, Georges Mikautadze

Villarreal Tactics and Formation

Villarreal Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forward: Nicolas Pépé
• Midfield Engine: Santi Comesaña and Pape Gueye
• Defensive Organisation: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Utilising wide areas and quick counterattacks.

Villarreal’s 4-4-2 formation is set to exploit their attacking prowess and defensive stability. With Nicolas Pépé leading the line alongside Georges Mikautadze, Villarreal aim to capitalise on Pépé’s pace and finishing ability. The midfield, anchored by Santi Comesaña and Pape Gueye, balances defensive duties with creative playmaking, ensuring a solid link between defence and attack.

Defensively, Villarreal rely on the back four, consisting of Santiago Mouriño, Álex Freeman, Rafa Marín, and Sergi Cardona, to maintain structure. Despite only achieving one clean sheet in the last five matches, this setup provides a reliable defensive base, although the absence of key players like Juan Foyth due to injury could present challenges.

Offensively, Villarreal’s strategy focuses on utilising the width provided by wingers Tajon Buchanan and Alberto Moleiro. Their ability to stretch the play and deliver crosses into the box is pivotal. Villarreal’s quick transition from defence to attack is a significant threat, especially against teams vulnerable to counterattacks.

Deportivo Alaves vs Villarreal H2H Record

Deportivo Alavés and Villarreal have an evenly matched head-to-head record with both teams securing 11 wins each, alongside 3 draws in their last 25 encounters. The most recent clash saw Villarreal triumph 3-1 at home earlier this year in LaLiga, showcasing their attacking prowess.

The last time Deportivo Alavés hosted Villarreal at Estadio Mendizorroza was in March 2025, where Alavés managed a narrow 1-0 victory. This suggests that Alavés can be quite resilient at home, although the overall H2H record remains balanced.

Home Team	Away Team	Score	Competition	Date
Villarreal	Deportivo Alavés	3 – 1	LaLiga	10 January 2026
Deportivo Alavés	Villarreal	1 – 0	LaLiga	8 March 2025
Villarreal	Deportivo Alavés	3 – 0	LaLiga	9 November 2024
Deportivo Alavés	Villarreal	1 – 1	LaLiga	10 February 2024
Villarreal	Deportivo Alavés	1 – 1	LaLiga	22 October 2023