Alaves
VillarrealAlavés host Villarreal on Friday, 28 August at the Mendizorroza Stadium in Vitoria, as La Liga enters its third round. The Basques have made an impressive start to the season, thrashing Getafe 3-0 before drawing 1-1 away to Rayo Vallecano. Under manager Kike Sánchez Flores, Alavés finished pre-season unbeaten and appear well-organised defensively. Villarreal, meanwhile, have drawn both their opening matches 2-2, showing attacking flair but defensive vulnerabilities. New head coach Iñigo Pérez is still finding the right balance, with the team conceding four goals across their first two games despite scoring the same number.
Form and Head-to-Head
Alavés have won five of their last ten matches and conceded just 0.58 goals per game on average at home. Villarreal's away form shows five wins from ten with 1.93 goals scored per game but also 1.21 conceded. The recent head-to-head record is evenly split, with three draws and three decisive results across their last six meetings. Notably, Villarreal have failed to keep a clean sheet in 16 consecutive matches, while Alavés have kept three clean sheets in their previous five La Liga outings. Villarreal have not beaten Alavés away from home since January 2020.
Best Bet
Total Over 2.5 Goals offers compelling value given the contrasting defensive records and attacking potential on display. Alavés have conceded just one goal in two matches, but Villarreal's inability to maintain defensive shape—evidenced by their 16-game streak without a clean sheet—suggests goals will flow. With Alavés averaging 1.44 goals at home and Villarreal averaging 1.93 away, the conditions favour an entertaining encounter. Over 2.5 is available at 1.68 with 1xBet.
Odds to Watch
The match winner market reflects a competitive fixture. Alavés are priced at 3.06 with Melbet, while Villarreal sit at 2.27 with the same operator. The draw is available at 3.48 with Melbet or 3.62 with 1xBet. Given Villarreal's recent defensive struggles and Alavés' solid start, backing the hosts or the over-goals market presents the more attractive propositions for entertainment purposes.
