Paco Alcacer
Valencia have won just one of their last five matches in all competitions Reuters

Gary Neville is still searching for his first win as Valencia coach in La Liga as he leads his team to El Madrigal to face Villarreal on New Year's Eve.

Where to watch live

Kick-off is set for 3pm GMT. The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports 1 HD.

Overview

High-flying Villarreal are on a five-match unbeaten run in all competitions and have won their last three matches on the bounce in La Liga. Marcelino's side remain a formidable prospect at El Madrigal, losing just two of their 12 home fixtures across all competitions this campaign.

Leo Baptistao and Mario Gaspar have returned to training after recovering from injuries and could start against Valencia. Defenders Daniele Bonera and Eric Bailly and striker Adrian remain sidelined with injury.

Valencia have won just one of their last five fixtures in all competitions, with their last La Liga victory coming against Celta Vigo in early November. However, the Mestalla outfit have beaten Villarreal in four of their last six head-to-head meetings.

Central defensive duo Shkodran Mustafi (thigh) and Aymen Abdennour (illness) may sit out the short trip to El Madrigal. Left-back Jose Gaya is also doubtful after picking up a groin strain but Lucas Orban and Javi Fuego are available after serving suspensions.

What managers say

Marcelino: "For us, it was very important to win this game [against Real Sociedad] as it allowed us to reach 30 points, which is a lot at this stage. Many of our rivals also failed to pick up three points. Our centre-backs had a tremendous game. This victory will allow us to enjoy Christmas."

Gary Neville: "I know there are strong sides in both cup competitions but we have to be ambitious. I was never defeatist as a player and I have not changed. We finished fourth last season so that has to be the aim."

Form guide

  • Villarreal (all competitions): WWWDW
  • Last result: Real Sociedad 0-2 Villarreal
  • Valencia (all competitions): DWDLD
  • Last result: Valencia 2-2 Getafe

Betting odds (888sport)

  • Villarreal win: 11/13
  • Draw: 28/11
  • Valencia win: 18/5

Team news

Villarreal possible XI: Areola; Gaspar, Musacchio, Ruiz, Costa; Dos Santos, Pina, Bruno, Suarez; Baptistao, Soldado

Valencia possible XI: Domenech; Barragan, Santos, Abdennour, Orban; Fuego, Parejo, Barbosa; Cancelo, Alcacer, Piatti