Iñigo Pérez prepares a revolution in Villarreal's XI against Elche

Villarreal CF

The 3-1 win over the Italian side has left good feelings in the yellow team, although it also forces the coach to manage the physical workload of a squad that has both domestic and European commitments. Ayoze Pérez, Ilias Akhomach, Juan Foyth and Oluwaseyi are among the main candidates to make the XI for the ninth matchday of LaLiga.

Oluwaseyi, Ayoze and Ilias target a starting spot

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One of the most interesting decisions for Iñigo Pérez is in attack. Oluwaseyi could take Mikautadze's place after making the most of his minutes against Napoli, a match in which he scored after coming on from the bench. His performance has given him a chance to start against the Elche side.

There are also expected changes in the attacking positions. Ayoze Pérez and Ilias Akhomach have a chance to return to the starting lineup after not featuring as starters in the European match. Alberto Moleiro, meanwhile, could keep his place and complete the three-man line that would play behind the striker.

The Villarreal also has other question marks in midfield. Nathan Saliba and Pape Gueye are among the options to form the double pivot, although Santi Comesaña is also fighting for a spot. The distribution of minutes and the players' physical condition will be key to the final decision.

Changes in defense and possible return for Gulacsi

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The back line could also see a major transformation compared to the team that played on Tuesday. Juan Foyth has a chance to return to the starting XI after starting on the bench against Napoli, while Freeman appears as an alternative to Santiago Mouriño at right-back.

One of the doubts is at the heart of the defense, where Renato Veiga and Pau Navarro are competing for a place. The Portuguese international has carried a considerable workload, from the first eight league matchdays, the two Champions League games, and his commitments with Portugal during the international break. For that reason, it is not ruled out that he gets some rest.

Against the Elche, on the left side, Sergi Cardona could replace Carlos Romero, who started against the Italian team.

The goalkeeping position also does not have a fully defined owner for this match. Gulacsi missed the European tie due to personal reasons and could return between the posts if he is finally available.

The possible Villarreal XI against Elche

The likely lineup for the ninth matchday of LaLiga, following the options put forward, would be the following:

Gulacsi; Freeman, Renato Veiga or Pau Navarro, Juan Foyth, Sergi Cardona; Nathan Saliba, Pape Gueye or Santi Comesaña; Alberto Moleiro, Ayoze Pérez, Ilias Akhomach; and Oluwaseyi.

Iñigo Pérez used a formation against Napoli made up of Luiz Junior; Santiago Mouriño, Renato Veiga, Pau Navarro, Carlos Romero; Alberto Moleiro, Pape Gueye, Santi Comesaña, Nathan Saliba; Gerard Moreno and Mikautadze.