Villarreal vs Barcelona Preview – Prediction, how to watch & potential line-ups | OneFootball

Sunday’s La Liga action caps off with a handsome-looking encounter between Villarreal and Barcelona at the Estadio de la Ceramica.

Quique Setien has instilled a possession-based style into this exciting Villarreal squad since taking Unai Emery’s place in the dugout in October, helping his side cling to the last European spot ahead of this round.

However, the Yellow Submarine has run out of steam at the worst possible moment, losing back-to-back league fixtures ahead of Barcelona’s visit to the province of Castellon.

Last weekend’s woeful 3-1 defeat at whipping boys Elche significantly derailed Villarreal’s chances of catching fourth-placed Atletico Madrid, leaving them four points off ahead of the kick-off.

And while their hosts seek out amends for handing Elche a first top-flight win of the season, Barcelona are looking to take advantage of Real Madrid’s FIFA Club World Cup duties to extend their lead at the top.

Xavi Hernandez’s side failed to score before half-time in last Sunday’s home clash against underperforming Sevilla but netted three unanswered second-half goals to move eight points clear at the summit.

With Madrid taking on AFC Champions League holders Al-Hilal on Saturday night, the Blaugrana could finish this round 11 points ahead of their arch-rivals with another win at La Ceramica.

Match Preview

Villarreal

Whether it’s their fault or Barcelona simply enjoy visiting Castellon, Setien’s men have lost four of their last five home league H2Hs (D1), including a thumping 3-1 defeat in this corresponding fixture in 2022/23.

Now would be a perfect time to buck that trend as the hosts stare down the barrel of three consecutive La Liga losses for the first time since May 2020 under Javier Calleja.

Since only Xavi’s charges (seven) have conceded fewer goals in Spain’s top-flight than Villarreal (17) this term, there’s a glimmer of hope the hosts could register their first home league shutout against Barca since 2012.

Barcelona

An underwhelming 1-1 home draw against cross-town rivals Espanyol at the turn of the year seems to have infuriated Barcelona, who have since won ten straight matches in all competitions.

The Blaugrana have won their last five league outings by an aggregate score of 8-1, though the only goal they’ve conceded during that run was in a 2-1 triumph at Real Betis on their most recent travel.

Trips to Comunidad Valenciana have traditionally been a walk in the park for Barcelona as they’ve been victorious in nine of their last ten top-flight away clashes against sides from the principality (D1).

Villarreal vs Barcelona Potential Line-ups

Villarreal (4-2-3-1): Pepe Reina; Juan Foyth, Raul Albiol, Pau Torres, Johan Mojica; Etienne Capoue, Dani Parejo; Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Baena, Yeremy Pino; Gerard Moreno.

Barcelona (4-3-3): Marc-Andre ter Stegen; Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Andres Christensen, Jordi Alba; Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Gavi; Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Ansu Fati.

How to Watch?

Villarreal vs Barcelona, alongside all other Blaugrana matches this season, is available to watch live online via Barcelona live streams.

Villarreal vs Barcelona Prediction

Barcelona may be boasting a flawless league record since slipping to Espanyol in early January, but it’s hard to say they’ve impressed, especially in attack.

However, Xavi’s men have often done enough to edge their rivals and should take full advantage of Villarreal’s recent form decline to take another crucial three points.

Villarreal 1-2 Barcelona