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: Team News

Mihai Pintilii and Lucian Filip are yet to be certified fit for the game.

Villarreal: Team News

Roberto Soldado and Cedric Bakambu are both ruled out of the game as they are injured.


Steaua Bucuresti vs Villarreal: Head to Head Statistics

The two teams have only met in the 2005 UEFA Europa League, and that happens to be the only game between them. The game at National Arena ended in stalemate, while Villarreal defeated Bucuresti 2-0 at home.

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.


Steaua Bucuresti vs Villarreal: Tips

  • Villarreal win at 2.10 (11/10)
  • Both teams to score at 2.00 (1/1).