Villarreal face Betis with pressure rising under Iñigo Pérez | OneFootball

Villarreal aim to steady themselves against Real Betis, the need to win matching the obligation after a stuttering opening under Iñigo Pérez. Victory now feels imperative.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the club are convinced by the coach’s preparation, and point to strong displays at Atlético, 2-2 at the Metropolitano, and at Dortmund, a 3-2 defeat. Yet two points from four La Liga matches and a Champions League loss in Germany have sharpened the urgency.

Monday night brings a stern examination at the Estadio de la Cerámica, 21.00 hours on Movistar+. Betis, led by ex amarillo Manuel Pelelgrini, have three wins from four league games, their only setback a heavy defeat at Levante. They also won 3-2 at Lille in their Champions League opener.

Iñigo Pérez remains without injured defender Juan Foyth, while Carlos Romero returns. He recognises Betis’ attacking threat, with Antony, Isco, Parrot, Cucho Hernández and Rodrigo Riquelme, plus former Villarreal pair Fornals and Lo Celso.

He plans an attacking XI to go toe to toe with Pelelgrini. All signs point to Gulácsi continuing in goal unless Luiz Júnior takes league duties, with Mouriño or Freeman at right back, Cardona left back, and Pau Navarro with Renato Veiga in central defence. Saliba partners Comesaña or Gueye in a double pivot, Moleiro and Nico Pepe on the flanks, with Gerard or Ayoze alongside Mikautadze.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo

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