Racing Santander are expected to line up in their usual 4-2-3-1, with Julen Agirrezabala in goal and a back four of Eriksson, Mantilla, Felipe, and Salinas. The double pivot of Puerta and Gueye will try to screen the defence, while Martín, Canales, and Vicente operate behind Villalibre. That is a shape built to stay compact and hit on the break. Canales, in particular, has the quality to unlock a defence with one pass — he is the kind of player who can make the difference on his day. But against a Villarreal side that will dominate the ball, Racing will spend long spells without it.

Villarreal are also expected in a 4-2-3-1, with Júnior in goal and a back four of Mouriño, Foyth, Veiga, and Romero. Comesaña and Gueye form the double pivot, with Pepe, Moreno, and Moleiro ahead of them, and Mikautadze leading the line. That is a front four dripping with creativity and movement. Moreno, despite his injury struggles, still finished with 10 goals in 22 league appearances last season — he is a proven finisher at this level. Mikautadze gives them a focal point, while Moleiro and Pepe can knife through the lines from the half-spaces. Villarreal will dominate possession, and the question is whether Racing can stay organised without the ball.