Villarreal CF v Real Madrid
Football: Spain, Primera Division 2009/2010
Wednesday 23rd September 2009 - Kickoff 19:00

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What a fantastic weekend we had in the Spanish La Liga when both Barcelona and Real Madrid hit 5 goals pass their opponents.

Since the departure of Manuel Pellegrini to Real Madrid, Villarreal have struggled to put in some solid results!

Villarreal (17th) 0-2-1 4:5

The home fans will give a warm welcome to Pellegrini as he turn Villarreal from a mid division team into a Champions League football team in the five years he spend with the yellow submarine.

Ernesto Valverde’s side has made a slow start to the season after drawing the first two games and losing the other. A game with Real Madrid would not help to improve things as Cristiano Ronaldo is on red hot form for Madrid.

Villarreal has had a shaky start in defense this season letting in five goals in three games this season. Ernesto will have to work on this as Real Madrid have been scoring goals for fun this season putting in mind, Cristiano Ronaldo is on a goal scoring streak, having score six goals in four games for Madrid this season.

Ernesto will be without several key players ahead of this crucial game. Marcos Senna is yet to fully recover from his injury while Ariel Ibagaza, Nilmar and Fuster are all major doubts for the game.

Since the departure of Nihat in the summer, Villarreal have will have to rely on Nilmar to deliver the goals but with Nilmar doubtful, Rossi will have to play a big game if Villarreal were to walk away with a result.

Real Madrid (2nd) 3-0-0 11:2

Madrid fans are in euphoria after seeing their team starting the season above expectations. Most people were expecting Madrid to have a slow start to the season as their summer signings would take time to settle in. However, all doubts was wipe away as Madrid have had a 100% record under Pellegrini this season.

Ronaldo scored early at the weekend to give Real Madrid the lead but some fans was a little worried when Real Madrid failed to double their lead till the 75th minute. However, with Madrid scoring four goals in the last fifteen minutes, the home crowd was a bit more relaxed.

Real Madrid will be without Ruud Van Nistelrooy , Xabi Alonso, Metzelder and Arbeloa for this game while Pepe is suspended. Pellegrini is expected to rotate a couple of his players give that he has the dept in his squad.

Raul who was taken off early at the weekend might be given a start today alongside Gonzola Higuain. Cristiano Ronaldo would definitely start this game alongside Kaka, Diarra and probably Van Der Vaart in midfield. In defense, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Albiol and Garay should be given the job to protect Iker Casillas in goal.

The Betting Verdict :

Real Madrid are in great form and I can't see a poor Villarreal side stopping them from continuing a 100% record.

With Pellegrini knowing the Villarreal players like the back of his hands, he will definitely notify the weakness in the squad and informing his current squad on the strength and weakness.

The Statistics :

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

Take Real Madrid to win at a price of 1.65

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Madrid to cover the -0.75 AH headstart.