La Liga 2025-2026: Alaves-Villarreal, the probable formations
The 28th day of La Liga opens with the match between Alaves and Villarreal, scheduled for 9 p.m. A very delicate moment for the hosts, in an identity crisis and desperate for salvation points. The white-blue, currently 16th with only two points ahead of third-last-place Mallorca, have not tasted victory since last January. Quique Sánchez Flores’s debut was also bitter: at the Mestalla, the Babazorros surrendered only in the 100th minute, mocked by a Hugo Duro penalty kick that completed Valencia’s comeback. Villarreal was in a different mood: the guests landed at the Mendizorrotza strong in fourth place, cohabiting with Atletico Madrid’Atletico Madrid. With a reassuring +11 over fifth-place Betis, the ‘Yellow Submarine’ now sees the Champions League finish line just a step away.
The Basques have to do without Guevara and defensive mainstay Jon Pacheco, both of whom were sent off in the sensational Mestalla match. Sivera will defend the posts, Jonny and Tenaglia sure of their places as defensive midfielders, Blanco in the median with Aleñá at his side, and up front there will be the tandem formed by Toni Martinez and Lucas Boye.
Técnico Marcelino will field his usual offensive 4-4-2 with: Luiz Junior in goal, Veiga and Pau Navarro are the favorites to make up the central pair, Comesana and Gueye in the middle of the field, Moleiro and l’ex-Inter Milan Buchanan on the flanks with Pepé and Mikautadze as offensive references.
The team will be the favorites.
Probable lineups
Alaves (3-5-2): Sivera; Angel Perez, Tenaglia, Parada, Jonny, Youssef; Blanco, Aleñá, Ibañez; Boye, Martinez. All. Quique Flores.
Villarreal (4-4-2): Luiz Junior; Mourino, Veiga, Marin, S. Cardona; Buchanan, Comesana, Gueye, Moleiro; Pepe, Mikautadze. All. Marcelino.
