Real Oviedo Form and Squad
The transformation of Real Oviedo this spring is the main talking point in the Asturian media. Almada has brought balance to the play: 10 points from the last five rounds is the return of a title contender rather than a relegation-threatened side. At home the defence has been operating almost flawlessly, conceding on average less than one goal (14 goals in 15 home league matches). In attack, the key figure has been Fede Vinas, who has scored nine of the team's 24 La Liga goals. It was his three goals against Celta (3:0) and Sevilla (1:0) that brought the hosts six points in the last two rounds.
Key numbers for Real Oviedo:
At home Real Oviedo have lost only 2 of their last 10 La Liga matches.
The hosts have scored in five consecutive rounds.
The club from Asturias have received eight red cards this season (the worst figure in La Liga).
Potential lineup (4-4-2): Aaron Escandell — Nacho Vidal, Eric Bailly, Dani Calvo, Javi Lopez — Ilyas Chaira, Kwasi Sibo, Santiago Colombatto, Thiago Borbas — Alberto Reina, Federico Vinas
Out: Nicolas Fonseca (suspension), Alex Fores (injury), Luka Ilic, Leander Dendoncker (doubtful)
Villarreal Form and Squad
The Yellow Submarine have recently resembled a cruise liner. Marcelino's side are prolific (56 goals, the third-best tally), but they clearly lack ruthlessness away from home. They have managed just two wins in their last eight away games. At the same time Villarreal have conceded in 9 of their last 10 away matches. That is hardly surprising, given that 64% of their goals against have come on the road (23 of 38). Another headache for Marcelino will be personnel issues: Comesana is suspended for an accumulation of bookings, while defenders Foyth and Costa are sidelined through injury.
Key numbers for Villarreal:
In 12 of their last 16 away fixtures Villarreal have scored in the second half.
In five of their last seven away matches Marcelino's team have lost the first half.
Both teams to score – Yes has landed in 9 of Villarreal's last 11 matches.
Potential lineup (4-4-2): Luis Junior — Santiago Mourino, Pau Navarro, Renato Veiga, Sergi Cardona — Tajon Buchanan, Dani Parejo, Pape Gueye, Alfonso Gonzalez — Gerard Moreno, Georges Mikautadze
Out: Logan Costa, Juan Foyth, Pau Cabanes (injuries), Santi Comesana (suspension)
