Both teams to score has landed in all eight games for Villarreal this season, as they are averaging 4.0 goals per game. Only Barcelona boast a higher total (4.25)

Villarreal have scored at least twice in six out of eight games so far, so will be confident in bulging the net at the Bernabeu.

Last time these sides met, it was an eight-goal thriller with the goals evenly shared. Real Madrid found themselves 4-1 up at half-time, before Alexander Sorloth clawed his side back scoring four goals in total, with three in the second-half. Despite his departure over the summer, Villarreal have remained an attacking threat.

At the Bernabeu, Real Madrid were much more comfortable and managed a 4-1 victory against Villarreal.

Thierno Barry is expected to retain his place in the Villarreal starting lineup, after contributing a goal and assist as Villarreal beat Las Palmas 3-1 at home in their previous game.

Since completing a £12 million move from Basel over the summer, Barry has started four games for his new side, drawing seven fouls in that time.

He has a unique physical profile standing at 6’4, but he is surprisingly agile. Because of that, he often drops deeper to link play, as opposed to playing as a hold up striker. Given his build, he can often be a handful for opposition centre backs to deal with.

He will be used as an outlet for Villarreal in this game, and should find duels against the Real Madrid midfield- ideal for drawing fouls.

Eder Militao has committed a foul in eight of his eleven appearances this season, averaging 1.36 fouls per game.

He failed to commit a foul in the previous game, although he was substituted after just 57 minutes with Real Madrid chasing a goal.

Militao has been extremely aggressive alongside Antonio Rudiger this season, often finding himself tight to opposition forwards, which can see him drawn out of position.

Militao is set for a tough matchup against Thierno Barry, who has drawn an average of 1.62 fouls per 90 in La Liga this season. He also might contest duels against Ayoze Perez, should the Spaniard return from injury. Perez is drawing 3.28 fouls per 90 this season – the most for Villarreal.

Nicolas Pepe, formerly of Arsenal, completed his move from Trabzonspor to Villarreal over the summer, and scored his first goal for the club in the previous game against Las Palmas.

He was given the opportunity to start following an injury picked up by Ayoze Perez. Given that the Spaniard remains doubtful for this clash, Pepe should be pushing to start.

Pepe is averaging 4.03 shots per 90 this season, notorious for cutting onto his left foot to shoot from the edge of the box – he has started just three games this season, but accrued at least three shots in all of them.

Most recently, he had four shots against Las Palmas, but also managed four shots against Barcelona in the previous game.

Real Madrid were dealt a midweek blow in the Champions League, losing 1-0 to Lille. Despite the unfortunate scoreline, it’s worth noting that they were without Rodrygo, while Mbappe also only featured off the bench.

The Frenchman is set to start against Villarreal, which is a massive boost for Carlo Ancelotti.

That 1-0 scoreline does not do Real Madrid any justice, as they accumulated 2.18 xG in total from 12 shots. Last-ditch saves from Lucas Chevalier, and a goal line clearance from Tiago Santos ensured Lille finished with a clean sheet, but Real Madrid did not struggle with chance creation.

Los Blancos will now return to the Bernabeu, where they have won all five games this season in all competitions.

Prior to picking up a thigh injury, Mbappe had scored in five straight games as a Real Madrid player, including four home games.

He is expected to lead the line once more, as Carlo Ancelotti will be vying to extend their unbeaten run and close the three-point gap on Barcelona. Because of that, Mbappe should be in for the full 90.

As the focal point of the attack, Mbappe is averaging 5.4 shots per 90 – comfortably the highest in the Real Madrid squad.

Last season, Real Madrid scored eight goals across two league games against Villarreal, who have shown to be an extremely attack-minded outfit. Because of that, there should be plenty of chances available for Mbappe.

With Mbappe expected to return to the starting eleven, Vinicius Jr should be in line to feature in his favoured left-wing position. Because of that, he should be pitted against Kiko Femenia.

Last season, Femenia started 16 games, but was shown eight yellow cards – he is often punished for cynical fouls, being overly aggressive in his challenges.

He has picked up two yellow cards this season, starting all eight league games.

Vinicius Jr is an extremely difficult player to contain, exemplified as the Brazilian has drawn the most fouls for Madrid this campaign. On average, he is fouled 2.5 times per game in all competitions this season.

On the left-wing, it is expected to be an intense matchup between two quite emotional players in Femenia and Vinicius Jr.

Jude Bellingham has made ten fouls in seven games in all competitions this season, averaging 1.4 fouls per game. He missed three games at the start of the season, but has played the full 90 in each of his last three, so that trend should persist here.

In the previous game against Lille, Bellingham was heavily involved in midfield duels, as he made seven tackles in addition to his two fouls – he was also booked.

Given his increased involvement in games, he is always a target for fouls. He now draws a solid matchup against Villarreal, who have drawn at least ten fouls in their last five straight games.

Notably, Barcelona made 12 fouls against Villarreal, with midfielders heavy contributors. Eric Garcia made three fouls, while Pablo Torre made two fouls in that game.