Villarreal midfielder Manu Trigueros. (Photo : Getty Images)
Current La Liga 2015-2016 league leaders Villarreal (5-1-1, 16 points) will try to hold on to their top status as they welcome one of this year's top contenders, the unbeaten Celta Vigo (4-0-3, 15 points) at the Estadio El Madrigal on Sunday, October 18.
El Submarino Amarillo was stunningly tripped by lowly club Levante on October 4th, 0-1, at the Estadi Ciutat de València, as per SkySports.
If Real Madrid had won their derby against Atletico, Los Blancos would have been the new league leaders, but they settled for a 1-1 draw to get behind Villarreal by only one point in the overall standings.
Meanwhile, Os Célticos are coming off a goalless draw with Getafe on October 2 at the Estadio Municipal de Balaídos, as reported by ESPN.
Eduardo Berizzo's boys preserved their undefeated streak to start the season by settling for the tie amidst the Deep Blues pressure on goal the whole time.
The Sky Blues actually started the game strongly in front of their home crowd, but Fran Escribá's wards were simply not folding down in the face of the Celtics' relentless attacks. It was a highly-entertaining affair and it was surprising that no goals were scored.
Like Rafa Benitez's club, Celta Vigo also missed the chance to overtake Villarreal at the top spot because of the draw, but they will get another opportunity in their match this Sunday. However, the Yellow Submarines are keen on bouncing back from their sorry defeat.
Prediction: A close 1-0 win for Villarreal.
Villarreal starting lineup (4-4-2 formation): Areola; Mario, Bailly, Ruiz, Jokic; Leiva, Trigueros, Pina, Pedraza; Samu, Soldado
Celta Vigo starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): Alvarez; Mallo, Cabral, Gomez, Jonny; Bergara, Radoja, Wass; Orellana, Aspas, Nolito
