Valencia host Villarreal in a La Liga regional derby on October 24, 2026, with kick-off set for 16:30 local time at Estadio de Mestalla. The teams arrive with different concerns: Valencia are 19th after one win in nine league matches, while Villarreal sit 12th and are looking for greater consistency. Javier Aguirre’s side have shown signs of attacking improvement without turning them into regular victories. Villarreal, meanwhile, have produced open games but have also struggled to keep opponents out. Those contrasts give this Valencia vs Villarreal preview plenty to examine on both sides of the pitch.

Valencia’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Valencia have recorded one win, three draws and five defeats in La Liga, averaging 0.7 goals scored and 1.7 conceded per match. Their last five results offer a slightly more encouraging picture: one victory, two draws and two losses, with averages of 1.0 goal scored and 1.2 conceded. Aguirre remains unbeaten since taking charge, although Valencia still need wins to improve their position.

Their most recent match ended in a 0-0 draw against Athletic Club on October 17. Before that, Valencia lost 3-2 to Real Sociedad and drew 2-2 at Racing, scoring twice in each game. Those results showed a stronger attacking return than their season average, but also demonstrated why extra goals have not necessarily brought three points. At home in La Liga, two of Valencia’s last ten matches have finished without a goal from either team.

Javi Guerra, who has two assists, has been a positive influence in recent matches through his passing, ball-carrying and ability to move into attacking areas. David Otorbi has made an impression in second-half appearances: he scored against Racing and created a notable chance against Athletic Club. Valencia will be without Sadiq, Canós and Diego López, while Copete and Foulquier are doubts.

Villarreal’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Villarreal have two wins, three draws and four defeats in La Liga, averaging 1.4 goals scored and 1.4 conceded per game. Across their last five matches, they have won twice, drawn once and lost twice, scoring 1.8 goals per match and conceding 1.4. Their latest outing was a 4-3 defeat to Liverpool on October 20, another example of how eventful their games can become.

Íñigo Pérez’s team endured a six-match winless spell earlier in the season but have since improved their results. Their attacking approach has often left room for both sides to contribute: both teams scored in nine of Villarreal’s 12 matches cited in the match information. Defensive records reinforce that pattern. Villarreal have conceded at least once in their last 14 away matches, including their last 12 away fixtures in La Liga. They have also allowed a goal in 22 of their last 23 league matches.

Alberto Moleiro has two goals and three assists, while Pape Gueye leads Villarreal’s La Liga scoring with three goals. Ilias Akhomach has supplied two assists, and Ayoze Pérez has one goal and four assists. Gerard Moreno and Mikautadze have also contributed goals and assists. Pérez has doubts over Pépé, Carlos Romero and Saliba.

Probable Lineups: Valencia vs Villarreal

The possible Valencia lineup named ahead of the match is Dimitrievski, Tárrega, De Haas, Maffeo, Gayá, Pepelu, Guido Rodríguez, Javi Guerra, Raba, Otorbi and Hugo Duro. Villarreal’s possible lineup is Gulacsi, Veiga, Foyth, Freeman, Cardona, Gueye, Comesaña, Moleiro, Ilias Akhomach, Ayoze and Gerard Moreno. These are possible selections rather than confirmed starting teams.

Valencia vs Villarreal Match Analysis

This derby brings Valencia’s need for points up against a Villarreal side whose recent matches have featured more goals. Valencia have scored twice in two of their last three games, but their goalless draw with Athletic Club is a reminder that their attacking output remains uneven. Villarreal’s last five matches have produced a higher scoring average for the visitors, though their defensive record gives Valencia a route into the contest.

The head-to-head summary also gives Villarreal the stronger record: from Valencia’s perspective, the five meetings listed have brought zero wins, two draws and three defeats. The most recent meeting finished 2-1 on February 22, 2026. Past results do not settle this fixture, particularly with Valencia showing some recent improvement, but they add to the challenge facing the hosts.

Goals at both ends are the clearest recurring theme. Valencia’s two recent two-goal displays offer encouragement, while Villarreal’s run of conceded goals away from home is difficult to overlook. At the same time, Villarreal have averaged 1.8 goals across their last five matches. If both sides carry those attacking moments into the derby, each could find an opportunity to score.

Valencia vs Villarreal prediction from BetMines: Both Teams To Score (Yes) with 56% probability.