Zamora vs Villarreal Prediction 22.11.2023

• Competition: Spain - Copa del Rey
• Date: Wednesday, 22nd, November 2023
• Kickoff: 20:00 UK / 21.00 CET
• Venue: Estadio Ruta de la Plata (Zamora)

The Yellow Submarine will aim to sink another lower-league side as they continue their Copa del Rey campaign, facing Zamora at Estadio Ruta de la Plata on Wednesday.

Zamora has surpassed the first-round hurdle in the Spanish national cup for the fourth consecutive year, eliminating Rasing Santander with 100% accuracy in the penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regular and extra time. Yago Iglesias' squad, however, failed to set a positive tone ahead of a crucial midweek clash, as they succumbed to a narrow 1-2 defeat against Torrelavega on the road. Unfortunately, the Sunday setback cost Viriatos the loss of their leading position in the division, surrendering it to Ourense CF, who now leads with a narrow one-point margin.

In contrast to their Wednesday opponent, Villarreal strolled through the first round of the Copa del Rey with ease, sweeping aside lower-league side Chiclana in a resounding 5-0 victory on the road. Despite this, the Yellow Submarine is playing unexpectedly weak and it is undeniable that they could not have dreamed of such a slow start even in their nightmares, as they currently occupy a chaotic 14th position with a 10-point gap from European places. It's evident that this is the worst start to the season for the El Madrigal side, as they've recorded the lowest tally of points (12) at this stage since the introduction of the new points system in 1994-95, where each victory earns three points.

Zamora CF vs Villarreal Betting Tips: Villarreal / Under 3.5

While the rest of the 27 Copa del Rey encounters unfold on December 5th, 6th, and 7th, the showdown between Zamora and Villarreal steals the spotlight by being the earliest one. This scheduling quirk arises due to the LaLiga side having to play a postponed European clash against Maccabi Haifa on the sixth day of the last month. Not even halfway through the season, El Madrigal has already witnessed two changes in the coaching seat, utilizing the November international break to promote a familiar face, Marcelino, who will be eager to kick off his debut in grand style. 

In fact, the 58-year-old couldn't have chosen a better timing than this to be appointed as the new helmsman, as he has the perfect opportunity to mark the beginning of his tenure strongly, especially considering that his team demolished Zamora three years ago in the second round of the Copa del Rey with a 4-1 victory.

Undoubtedly, facing Viriatos will pose a much tougher challenge compared to Chiclana, but even with that, Villarreal should showcase their strength in the right way and secure a victory, though not as emphatic as in the first round, but one that should involve no more than three goals.