Villarreal vs Real Madrid: Preview, predictions and lineups | OneFootball

Real Madrid reached the Champions League quarter-finals midweek but must focus their attention on La Liga this Saturday when they visit Villarreal.

Los Blancos needed extra-time and penalties to conquer local rivals Atletico Madrid in the last 16 of Europe's premier competition on Wednesday evening, eventually triumphing following a controversial shootout. They are still able to defend their Champions League crown and can do the same in La Liga.

With their title rivals Atletico and Barcelona locking horns on Sunday, Madrid know they will climb to first before that clash should they avoid defeat to Villarreal. Victory over El Submarino Amarillo would pile enormous pressure on their La Liga competitors.

Villarreal have only finished below eighth once over the past decade and are currently knocking on the door for Champions League qualification after another impressive campaign. They are five points behind fourth-placed Athletic Club with a game in hand and have won three of their last five La Liga fixtures.

Here is 90min's guide to the duel.

What time does Villarreal vs Real Madrid kick-off?

Villarreal vs Real Madrid head-to-head record (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Villarreal vs Real Madrid on TV - UK & US

Villarreal team news

Gerard Moreno is still absent / Aitor Alcalde Colomer/GettyImages

Villarreal will have to wait until after the upcoming March international break for the returns of Gerard Moreno and Kiko Femenia, both of whom have been missing since early February. They join long-term absentee Ilias Akhomach in the treatment room.

Marcelino will expect significant improvements following the 1-0 defeat to nine-man Alaves last weekend but is unlikely to make sweeping changes to his starting lineup.

There will be plenty of ex-Premier League representation in the Villarreal XI, with Juan Foyth, Ayoze Perez and Willy Kambwala among those likely to start.

Villarreal predicted lineup vs Real Madrid

Villarreal predicted lineup vs Real Madrid (4-4-2): Conde; Foyth, Kambwala, Costa, Cardona; Pino, Gueye, Parejo, Baena; Barry, Perez.

Real Madrid team news

Ferland Mendy will likely miss out / Sports Press Photo/GettyImages

Madrid will have a few sore legs heading into Saturday's battle after playing 120 minutes against Atletico midweek, with Ancelotti likely rotating wherever possible.

Ferland Mendy added his name to the list of absentees at the Metropolitano and the club have confirmed he's suffered a hamstring injury. He's likely to be replaced by Fran Garcia, with Lucas Vazquez and David Alaba other potential alterations in the backline.

Federico Valverde should return to midfield alongside Aurelien Tchouameni, with Luka Modric dropping out of the XI, but the usual attacking quartet are likely to line up in the final third.

Dani Ceballos, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and Jesus Vallejo are all sidelined at present, although the latter is in contention to make the squad this weekend.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs Villarreal (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Vazquez, Rudiger, Alaba, Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni; Rodrygo, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe.

Villarreal vs Real Madrid score prediction

Villarreal have managed more points on the road than at home this season, which will offer Madrid plenty of encouragement. However, the defending champions have been far from flawless on their travels, failing to win any of their last three away games in La Liga.

Fatigue will also cause issues for Ancelotti's men at the Estadio de la Ceramica, levelling the playing field somewhat.

However, Madrid should still run out victors. They desperately need victory in their hunt for La Liga glory and have the necessary depth to handle the quick-fire turnaround between matches. It's likely to be a game of fine margins, but Los Blancos normally come out on top in those circumstances - just ask Atletico.