⚽ Elche vs Villarreal — Analytics and Prediction (03.01.2026)

Introduction

Elche and Villarreal are set to clash in an intriguing La Liga matchup that promises excitement on the field. Elche has struggled to find form this season, currently sitting lower in the standings, while Villarreal has shown significant improvement, particularly in away matches. This encounter at the Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero will be critical for both teams as they seek to secure vital points in the league.

Form Analysis

Elche’s recent performance has been disappointing, with a win rate of only 47% in their last five home matches. This lack of form has been highlighted by their struggles to convert opportunities into goals, leaving them vulnerable defensively. The pressure is mounting on Elche to turn things around, especially as they face a formidable opponent in Villarreal.

On the other hand, Villarreal has been in impressive form on the road, boasting an 80% success rate in their last five away games. Their attacking prowess has been complemented by a solid defensive setup, making them a tough side to beat. Villarreal’s confidence is high after a series of positive results, indicating they are well-prepared for this encounter.

Statistical Analysis

In terms of overall statistics, Elche’s offense has struggled to find the back of the net consistently, which is evident in their recent matches. They have only managed to score a limited number of goals, often relying on their defense to keep them in games. Conversely, Villarreal has demonstrated a balanced approach, effectively combining scoring with a strong defensive strategy. Their recent matches show a higher average of goals scored, suggesting they have the upper hand in attacking capabilities.

The head-to-head statistics also favor Villarreal, as they have historically dominated this matchup, with Elche winning only a minimal number of encounters. Villarreal’s ability to create chances and convert them into goals could be the deciding factor in this match.

Head-to-Head History

The historical context of Elche vs Villarreal shows a mixed bag of results, but Villarreal has clearly had the upper hand in recent encounters. Notably, Villarreal managed to win decisively in their last meeting with a stunning 4-0 victory. Elche’s last win against Villarreal was a narrow 1-0, indicating that they do have the potential to compete but have struggled to maintain consistency. The last five encounters have seen Villarreal win four times, with only one draw, showcasing their dominance in this fixture.

Influencing Factors

The weather conditions on match day are expected to be overcast with temperatures around 13°C and humidity at 75%, which could affect the players’ stamina and overall performance. However, both teams are accustomed to playing in similar conditions, so it should not heavily influence the outcome.

Playing at home, Elche will hope to leverage their familiar surroundings to secure points, but their recent form suggests that they may falter under the pressure of the occasion. Villarreal, buoyed by their recent away successes, will aim to capitalize on any defensive lapses from Elche. The venue, Estadio Manuel Martínez Valero, has seen its fair share of highs and lows for both teams, but Villarreal’s recent form gives them the upper hand heading into this match.

Prediction and Justification

Given Villarreal’s impressive away form and Elche’s struggles at home, the prediction leans towards an away victory or a draw. Villarreal has shown a capability to score goals and maintain pressure on their opponents, which could lead them to a successful outing. Therefore, the expectation is for Villarreal to take at least a point from this match, with the score likely leaning towards a Villarreal win. The predicted score is 1:2.