After a busy midweek of Champions League action, Real Madrid and Villarreal turn their attention back to domestic proceedings this weekend, before the October international break. Following their loss against rivals Atletico Madrid last weekend, Los Blancos have surrendered top spot to Barcelona, and Villarreal find themselves just two points adrift of the 36-time La Liga champions. 

If you want more stats ahead of Real Madrid's clash with Villarreal, you can get them from the Real Madrid v Villarreal Betting Stats.

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📈 Real Madrid v Villarreal Form & Tactics

It took just 25 minutes for Mbappe to open his goal-scoring account midweek in Kazakhstan. After scoring a brace from the penalty spot in round one of the Champions League against Marseille, Mbappe was once again clinical from 12 yards. He did get his first open play goal shortly after half-time, latching onto a long ball from Thibaut Courtois before dinking over the opposing keeper, and the Frenchman completed his hat-trick just 20 minutes later.

While Courtois did have to make four saves, Kairat’s 11 shots amounted to just 0.43 xG - attempts at goal were mostly speculative, and Madrid looked relatively comfortable at the back.

Villarreal were involved in a much more tightly-contested clash midweek, as Renato Veiga equalised in the 90th minute to secure a point for the hosts. Georges Mikautadze opened the scoring on Thursday night, but Juventus hit back with a quick-fire double shortly after half-time. Considering the Yellow Submarine accrued a total of 1.72 xG from 17 shots, a draw was the least they deserved.

📔 Real Madrid v Villarreal Formation & Team News

Real Madrid

After making his first start of the season in the Madrid derby, Jude Bellingham made an appearance from the bench against Kairat, as he continues to build his fitness. But the main concern for Xabi Alonso will be a lack of available defensive options. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ferland Mendy and Antonio Rudiger remain sidelined, while Eder Militao joined the injury list last weekend, substituted at half-time against Atletico Madrid. Dani Carvajal was also taken off shortly after Militao, although he was suspended midweek anyway, so wasn’t included in the squad.

Raul Asencio is likely to continue to fill in at right back, while Alvaro Carreras will be hoping to replace Fran Garcia for this upcoming clash.

Villarreal

A hamstring injury has kept Ayoze Perez out for Villarreal this term, which has been a real blow for the Yellow Submarine. The Spaniard scored 19 league goals last season, but has only managed to start once so far this season. While he does seem to be nearing a return, Perez was completely left out of the squad against Juventus, so is unlikely to play much of a role against Real Madrid.

With no fresh injury concerns for Marcelino to contend with, there is a strong chance he opts for a similar lineup to that which started midweek. Thomas Partey will be pushing for a return to the starting eleven to provide additional defensive cover.

Football Predictions at Andy's Bet Club

Keep up with our Football Betting Tips, as well as European Football Predictions for this week, on Andy's Bet Club.

For Saturday's football, we also have Atalanta v Como Bet Builder Tips, Frankfurt v Bayern Munich Bet Builder Tips, Athletic Bilbao v Mallorca Bet Builder Tips, and Chelsea v Liverpool Bet Builder Tips.

If you’re eyeing an accumulator, Andy’s Algo has found BTTS Tips, Over 2.5 Goals Tips, Shots Predictions, and Fouls Predictions.

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* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.