Both sides are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1, which sets up a fascinating chess match. Racing will likely field Eriksson in goal, with a back four of Mantilla, Felipe, González, and Salinas. The double pivot of Puerta and Gueye will sit in front of them, tasked with shielding a defence that will see plenty of the ball. Canales pulls the strings in the number ten role, with Martín and Vicente providing width, and Villalibre leading the line. This is a side built to be compact, hit on the break, and make El Sardinero a fortress.

Villarreal's expected XI is dripping with quality. Júnior starts in goal, protected by Mouriño, Foyth, Veiga, and Romero. Comesaña and Gueye form a double pivot that can control the tempo, while Pepe, Moreno, and Moleiro operate behind Mikautadze. That front four is mobile, technical, and lethal in transition. Moreno, even at 34 and after injury struggles, still finished last season with 10 goals in 22 league outings — he knows where the net is. Villarreal will look to dominate the ball, stretch Racing's shape, and find the half-space runners between the lines. Racing will try to stay compact, force Villarreal wide, and hit them on the counter through Villalibre's hold-up play and Canales' vision.