Adriaanse braced for backlash

Tough proposition
Adriaanse insists the Spanish club's counterattacking style will make them a tough proposition at the Alkmaarderhout - although he still backs his team to progress. "In Spain the odds were 60/40 in favour of Villarreal," said the coach. "But after our victory, I think they are 60/40 in our favour.

'Strongest weapons'
"Villarreal will be even stronger away than they are at home. They have a counterattacking team, and in away games they are allowed to play defensively. Changing from defence into sudden attack is one of Villarreal's strongest weapons."

Disastrous run
Two weeks ago Alkmaar had lost just once in the Eredivisie and had realistic ambitions of a first Dutch title since 1980/81, but a disastrous run of form has left them facing a battle just to claim a UEFA Champions League qualifying berth.

Ajax climbing
Two defeats and a draw from their last three league matches mean Alkmaar, in second, sit one point above on-song AFC Ajax, against whom they lost 4-2 on Sunday. It was a disappointing day for Adriaanse, who saw a number of defenders sustain niggling injuries, although Jan Kromkamp (ankle), Tim de Cler (concussion), Barry Opdam (muscle strain) and Joris Mathijsen (inflamed tendon) are all fit to play.

Point salvaged
Meanwhile, Villarreal slipped down a place to fourth in the Primera División despite coming from behind to draw 1-1 at RC Deportivo La Coruña on Sunday, thanks to César Arzo's equaliser. Coach Manuel Luis Pellegrini used virtually the same squad that lost 2-1 against Alkmaar last week, although midfielder Héctor Font appeared as a second-half substitute.

Defenders back
The good news for Pellegrini is the return of right-back Javi Venta, who had looked set to miss the game after suffering a groin strain, as well as centre-half Quique Álvarez (knee). Gonzalo Rodríguez could play alongside the latter after serving a suspension.

Arruabarrena optimism
"Anything is possible in football and we are confident we can get back into the tie," said Villarreal left-back Rodolfo Arruabarrena. "We have the utmost respect for Alkmaar but we have the artillery to score two goals."