Faced with an intimidating early season schedule that included matches against the likes of Barcelona, Sevilla and Valencia, Hercules have coped well on their return to the Primera Division, picking up seven points in their opening six encounters. The tough run of fixtures continues on Monday, when Villarreal pay a visit to the Alicante side, and then a fortnight later it’s the turn of Real Madrid to visit the Jose Rico Perez.
Before los Blancos can be considered, Esteban Vigo’s side must first deal with the Yellow Submarine, one of a clutch of teams going well towards the summit of the Primera Division. To date, Hercules have won only once at home this season, defeating Sevilla, and they must improve their record in front of their home support if they are to maintain ambitions of finishing away from the relegation battle.
A high profile summer transfer campaign seems to have worked to date. Names such as Royston Drenthe, Nelson Valdez and David Trezeguet have all joined los Herculanos over the space of the last three months, and each has played a significant role in the successes of the club so far this term.
These names were left helpless as Hercules were hammered 3-0 by Getafe in their last league outing, and Vigo must have nursed his side’s wounds effectively if they are to bounce back against opponents going very well this term.
Nothing For Granted
An opening day defeat against Real Sociedad sparked concerns over the health of Villarreal going into this season, but these have since been spectacularly put to bed. Juan Carlos Garrido has led his side on an impressive five game winning streak, carrying them to second in the table with a record unblemished since August.
El Madrigal’s finest have cope impressively with the demands of juggling European football with their domestic form, though it’s quite clear already that their commitments in Spain are to take precedence over their achievements on the continent. Having spent a fair portion of last term battling against relegation, Villarreal are taking nothing for granted even at this early stage.
“A year ago people said that we had the best team the club had ever had, but it went badly,” Angel told the media. “Now it is different, because we have a good cushion of points and are confident of victory in every game.
“We face several complicated games and we want to keep up our run. It is nice to be near the top, because the atmosphere is great around the club.
“We have to first ensure we are safe in the division, and then we can think about things like Europe or the Champions League.”
There is little danger that Villarreal will engage in the relegation battling duel they were forced into last term, though victory away in Hercules will not be easy to come by.
Hercules
Esteban Vigo is set to alter his starting XI slightly, partly because Kiko Femenia is injured and Abel Aguilar is suspended. Tiago Gomes is expected to replace the latter, while there is a little more doubt over who will step in for the former, with Tote and Rufete the major options.
Villarreal
Carlos Marchena is set to miss out due to muscular problems, opening the door for Gonzalo Rodriguez to start the game. Juan Carlos will be absent due to tonsillitis.
Prediction
With Villarreal’s recent form, they will certainly start the match as warm favourites, though Hercules cannot be written off as they’ve already proven their ability to raise their game against the big sides. Don’t be surprised to see Esteban Vigo’s side earn a share of the spoils in this match.
Hercules 1-1 Villarreal 
