Match Preview for Villarreal v Barcelona
Estadio de la Ceramica units the scene for a standout La Liga contest on Sunday afternoon as table-topping Barcelona journey to face third-placed Villarreal.
La Blaugrana have as soon as once more set the tempo in Spain’s prime flight, however Villarreal have additionally loved a powerful marketing campaign, sitting third and eight factors adrift of the leaders with two video games in hand.
One thing has to present this weekend, with each side arriving in distinctive league kind. Villarreal have received six consecutive La Liga matches, whereas Barcelona have gone one higher with seven straight league victories heading into the winter break.
Regardless of their home momentum, Villarreal have suffered setbacks in different competitions, shedding 3-2 to Copenhagen within the Champions League earlier than exiting the Copa del Rey with a 2-1 defeat to Racing Santander. Their most up-to-date league fixture towards Levante was postponed as a result of extreme climate.
Marcelino’s facet boast 11 wins from 15 league matches, conceding simply 13 objectives within the course of, one of the best defensive file in La Liga.
Villarreal have received two of their final three league conferences with Barcelona, however they haven’t crushed the Catalan facet at dwelling since October 2007, a statistic they are going to be eager to place proper.
Barcelona arrive on the again of a 2-0 Copa del Rey victory over Guadalajara and are in formidable kind throughout all competitions,
Hansi Flick’s facet have constructed a four-point cushion on the prime of the desk, aided by 49 objectives in 17 league matches, comfortably one of the best attacking file within the division.
With the Spanish Tremendous Cup and Catalan derby towards Espanyol looming in early 2026, Barcelona might be eager to keep up their momentum earlier than the winter pause.
Staff information for Villarreal v Barcelona
Villarreal are coping with a prolonged harm record, with Willy Kambwala, Logan Costa, Pau Cabanes, Ramon Terrats, Gerard Moreno and a number of other others unavailable. Pape Gueye and Ilias Akhomach are additionally absent as a result of Africa Cup of Nations responsibility.
Dani Parejo stays a slight doubt however is hopeful of that includes, whereas Ayoze Perez is predicted to companion Georges Mikautadze in assault, supported by Tajon Buchanan in a large function.
Barcelona may very well be with out Pedri, who missed coaching as a result of a calf problem, doubtlessly leaving Frenkie de Jong and Eric Garcia because the midfield pairing. Gavi, Ronald Araujo and Dani Olmo are additionally sidelined.
Hansi Flick faces choices in assault, with Ferran Torres more likely to lead the road and Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Fermin Lopez offering help.
Anticipated line-ups for Villarreal v Barcelona
Villarreal: Junior; Navarro, Foyth, Veiga, Cardona; Buchanan, Parejo, Comesana, Moleiro; Perez, Mikautadze
Barcelona: J Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; De Jong, E Garcia; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Torres
Tips on how to watch Villarreal v Barcelona: TV channel, on-line stream
The match might be broadcast within the UK on Premier Sports activities, with streaming obtainable through the Premier Sports activities platform. Worldwide viewers can watch via native La Liga TV, whereas highlights might be accessible shortly after full time.
The stats for Villarreal v Barcelona
• Villarreal have received six consecutive La Liga matches
• Barcelona have received seven straight league video games
• Villarreal have conceded simply 13 objectives in La Liga, one of the best defensive file this season
• Barcelona have scored 49 objectives in 17 league matches
• Barcelona are 4 factors clear on the prime of the La Liga desk
• Villarreal have received two of their final three league video games towards Barcelona
• Villarreal haven’t crushed Barcelona at dwelling since October 2007
Prediction
Villarreal
2
–
3
Barcelona
Either side are in excellent league kind, and this has all of the substances of a high-quality, open contest. Villarreal’s defensive organisation ought to maintain them aggressive, however Barcelona’s attacking depth and momentum may show decisive in a slim away victory.
