More markets for the La Liga game, scheduled for August 28 at 3:30 PM ET.
Villarreal enter the early 2026/27 La Liga campaign as one of the stronger sides after finishing third the prior season, though a coaching change to Iñigo Pérez introduces some transition alongside retained attacking depth. Alavés, who survived relegation under Quique Sánchez Flores, open at Estadio de Mendizorroza with a compact defensive structure and key retained players such as goalkeeper Antonio Sivera and midfielder Antonio Blanco. Head-to-head results have been tight recently, including a 1-1 draw in March 2026, while home form and early-season rust for both clubs after the summer window remain key variables. No major confirmed absences alter the baseline outlook, but Villarreal’s superior squad resources and European aspirations typically translate to higher implied win probabilities in away fixtures against mid-to-lower table opponents.