Villarreal vs Real Betis preview - Injured trio set for Villareal return

Posted Saturday, November 19, 2011 by PA

Villarreal coach Juan Carlos Garrido is set to welcome back some of his injured players for the home fixture with Real Betis.

The visitors have not won in seven games since winning their opening four, whilst the Yellow Submarine have only won one of their last seven Primera Division matches.

One of the main contributing factors to Villarreal's poor start has been their horrendous number of injuries.

But the international break has at least given some of Garrido's casualties extra time to recover.

Giuseppe Rossi, Cani, Nilmar and Cristian Zapata are still out, but Marcos Senna, Javier Camunas and Carlos Marchena could all make their comebacks this weekend.

Garrido admits that with so many players out he has had to alter Villarreal's style slightly and that although it may be less attractive, the most important thing right now is to climb the table.

He told the club's website: "At this moment, getting the three points is vital and the players will show how much they want it.

"We will fight for every ball and leave nothing out there on the field. We know that playing well is the aspiration, but the most immediate objective is to win games."

Betis manager Pepe Mel believes his side must just continue to believe in themselves and that if they do, eventually things will turn in their favour.

"I always believe I am going to win, but confidence doesn't come from words," he told the club website.

"I thank the board and the players for the confidence they have in me. If someone believes in my work, then so do I. It will take time, but I am convinced that this Betis will achieve its objectives.

"We played a good game against Racing, and even better still against Malaga. We intend to continue with the things we did well in those previous matches."

Mel has included Roque Santa Cruz and Javi Chica in the squad on their return from injury and Jefferson Montero is also available to play despite being on loan from Villarreal.