Villarreal host in-form Deportivo in first home game of the season

Match context

On Saturday at 21:00 Spanish time (Vietnamese outlet Vietnam.vn lists 02:00 on September 6 in Vietnam time, referring to the same kick-off), La Cerámica stadium hosts the LaLiga EA Sports matchday 4 clash between Villarreal and Deportivo de La Coruña, according to Europa Press. The match will be broadcast on Movistar La Liga.

Villarreal, coached by Iñigo Pérez, sit 15th with 2 points from three games — two draws (2-2 against Racing and Atlético) and a 0-1 loss to Alavés. This will be the club's first home match of the season. Deportivo, led by Antonio Hidalgo, are 8th with 5 points and remain unbeaten, having beaten Valencia 3-1 at home in their last outing. Barcelona, Real Madrid and Betis currently top the table, each on 9 points.

Squad problems

Villarreal will be without defender Juan Foyth, who is injured again, as reported by both Mundo Deportivo and Vietnam.vn. Deportivo face more absences: midfielder Altimira is suspended after a red card, while Vietnam.vn also lists injuries to N. Carrillo and A. Traore as reasons for their absence. Sources disagree on new signing Marc Casadó — Mundo Deportivo suggests he could get his first minutes for the club, whereas Vietnam.vn lists him as unavailable due to a coach's decision. Fellow new arrival José María Giménez could also make his Deportivo debut.

Probable line-ups

According to Europa Press, Villarreal could field: Luiz Junior; Alex Freeman, Pau Navarro, Renato Veiga, Carlos Romero; Pape Gueye, Santi Comesaña, Nicolas Pépé, Ayoze Pérez, Alberto Moleiro and Georges Mikautadze. Deportivo's probable line-up: Leo Román; Ximo Navarro, Lucas Noubi, Bright Ede, Giacomo Quagliata; Lorenzo Amatucci, Luismi Cruz, Riki Rodríguez, Mario Soriano; Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bil Nsongo.

Renovated pitch

Ahead of the season, the playing surface at La Cerámica was renovated, and Villarreal has already held its first training session on the new turf, according to El Periódico Mediterráneo, cited by OneFootball. Players reportedly expressed satisfaction with the pitch's condition, seen by the club as a positive sign heading into the new campaign.