Europa League preview and odds: Villarreal vs Napoli

Published on: 16/02/2016

Europa League preview and odds: Villarreal vs Napoli

February 18, 2016 19:00pm - Estadio El Madrigal

Europa League - Round of 32, First leg

Two teams going well in their respective domestic campaigns will battle it out for a place in the last 16 of the Europa League, as Villarreal host Napoli in the first leg of this mouth-watering Round of 32 clash.

Villarreal strong at home

Villarreal have only lost once in eight home games against Italian opposition. Unfortunately, that defeat came against Napoli back in 2011. They Spanish side are going well in their domestic campaign and are currently sat in fourth place in La Liga. They have lost just two of their last 20 home matches and will be confident that they can claim an advantage over their visitors going into the second leg.

Since losing their opening Europa League fixture 2-1 away to Rapid Vienna, the Yellow Submarine have gone five games unbeaten in the competition, winning four and drawing one. Despite their good run of form, they still has to settle for second place in Group E behind the Austrians.

Napoli looking dangerous

Napoli`s incredible form in this competition and their strong showing on the domestic front has seen them emerge as one of the favourites to win this tournament. They were the only side to win all six of their group stage matches, and only Schalke 04 conceded as few goals (3) as Sarri`s men.

The team from Naples are currently second in the Italian top flight just one point behind reigning champions Juventus. They travel to Spain in the knowledge that they are the only Italian team to have ever beaten Villarreal in their own backyard.

Team news

The home side will be without the suspended Javier Jimenez, while Adrian and Samu are out injured. In addition, Bailly has a shoulder issue and is a doubt.

Recent form (All competitions)

Villarreal: WDWDD

Napoli: WLDLD

Betting odds and tips

Villarreal are strong on home soil but the Italians have lost just two of their last 15 matches on the road in all competitions.

The draw looks like a good bet at 23/10 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 16/02/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (16/02/2016 16:35:47) but are subject to change.