Villarreal look to climb top of La Liga against struggling Betis

Andy West 12:04 16/01/2016
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  • In form: Villarreal are flying high.

    Villarreal will look to climb above Real Madrid into third place in La Liga – even if only for 24 hours.

    The Yellow Submarine have won their last six league games – conceding only two goals in the process – to take a firm grip on fourth place and be just one point behind Los Blancos.

    And they can continue that sparkling run of form at home to struggling Real Betis, who have lost their last five outings and will be led by interim coach Juan Merino after sacking boss Pepe Mel.

    Merino said: “If these players perform to the limit of their abilities, they can beat anyone.”

    Another in-form team with top-four aspirations is Sevilla, who will aim for their ninth consecutive home victory in all competitions with the visit of a Malaga side weakened by the departure of Turkish winger Nordin Amrabat to Watford.

    Sevilla boss Unai Emery said:“Football is about today and tomorrow, not yesterday. The confidence we have gained is good, but an excess of confidence would be bad.”

    Two sides needing three points for very differing reasons meet at Balaidos, where hosts Celta Vigo are looking to overturn a slump which has seen them lose three consecutive games, while visiting Levante can rise off the bottom with a victory.

    And in Saturday’s final game, Real Sociedad will attempt to further climb the table as they host Deportivo, who have picked up just one point in their last three games.

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