Steaua Bucuresti vs Villarreal
UEFA Europa League – Group Stage
Date: Thursday, 29th September, 2016,
Kick-Off at 18:00 UK
Venue: National Arena, Bucharest.
Steaua Bucuresti will be aiming for their first win in group L of the Europa League as they welcome Villarreal on Thursday at National Arena.
Bucuresti kicked off this stage of the competition with an away defeat, they were beaten 2-0 by Osmanlispor. Their woes started G. Enache was sent off just before half time, bringing them down to 10 men. Their host took advantage of that in the second half, as they scored in 64th and 74th minute.
After the defeat, Bucuresti have been on a fluctuating form, they have won 2 games and lost 1. They will enter this game from a 3-2 away victory against Voluntari, as they hope to build on the win.
On the other hand, Villarreal began this stage of the competition with a 2-1 win over FC Zurich. The Yellow Submarines fought hard to earn a 2-1 home victory as Alexandre Pato and Dos Santos got their name on the score sheet.
Villarreal have been good in the La Liga, they are unbeaten in their opening 6 games. They will enter this game from a 3-1 victory over Osasuna, as the 4 goals of the game was scored in the first half. Alexandre Pato, Bruno and Sansone were all on the scoreboard, while Roberto Torres scored for the opposing side.
Steaua Bucuresti vs Villarreal: Prediction
Villarreal have been a better side between the two when comparing their forms. Villarreal have been unbeaten in their last 6 games, they have won 5 and drawn 2. They have scored at least 2 goals in 4 of their last 5 games, but they have conceded at least a goal each in their last 4 games.
Steaua have won 3 of their last 5 games and drawn 2. They have reached the round of 32 in 4 of their last 7 European competitions. I expect a win from the yellow submarines in this game as they have a better form than their opponent.
Head To Head
The sides haven't previously met.
Stats
Aside from their Champions League play-off with Monaco, Villarreal are yet to lose this season. Steaua have lost 4 of their last 5 matches in this competition.
Team News
Gabriel Enache is suspended following his red card in Turkey last time out in this competition. Bojan Golubović may return in attack.
Villarreal are expected to make a few changes but will still send a strong side out having rested a few players in La Liga on Sunday. The likes of Cheryshev and N'Diaye should come in and they will, if anything, strengthen the side.
