Barcelona vs Villarreal Preview: Team News & Prediction
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There is a slight chance that La Liga's title race can be extended to three teams if we have an away win at Camp Nou on Saturday afternoon.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Premier Sports / US – ESPN have the exclusive rights to La Liga games in the USA, so any game may be televised on one of their affiliated channels
How to watch online: UK – Premier Player / US – ESPN+
Barcelona preview: Brilliant but fallible
Barcelona sit at the top-of-the-table in La Liga once again after the Blaugrana took advantage of Real Madrid's 2-1 loss to Osasuna by hammering Levante by three goals to nil last week with strikes from Marc Bernal, Frenkie de Jong and Fermin Lopez.
The Catalans have again been relentless in their goal scoring throughout this campaign but their extremely risky high line has been exposed on a more regular basis this season, albeit there is talk that Hansi Flick has discussed with players a potential slight tactical adaptation.
Villarreal preview: Coattails of the race
Villarreal most recently managed to defeat Valencia in a regional derby at El Madrigal last weekend, coming from behind in the first-half with strikes from midfield duo Santi Comesana and Senegal international Pape Gueye.
The Yellow Submarine now begin this weekend's round of fixtures sitting ten points behind Barcelona at the top-of-the-table but they will believe that if they can close the gap to Barca this weekend then they will be able to enter the title race this season.
Barcelona team news: Gerard Martin suspended
Versatile defender Gerard Martin has performed well this season so his suspension is an issue, while both Andreas Christensen and Gavi are also sidelined for the hosts.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Alex Balde; Marc Casado, Fermin Lopez; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Rashford; Lewandowski
Unavailable: Christensen (Injured), Gerard Martin (Suspended), Gavi (Injured)
Questionable:
Villarreal team news: A few injuries
Villarreal are dealing with a few fresh injuries for this one as centre-back Rafa Marin is potentially sidelined alongside Senegal international midfielder Pape Gueye.
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Junior; Santiago Mourino, Pau Navarro, Veiga, Sergi Cardona; Pepe, Santi Comesana, Dani Parejo, Alberto Moleiro; Ayoze, Mikautadze
Unavailable: Costa (Injured), Foyth (Injured), Kambwala (Injured), Pau Cabanes (Injured)
Questionable: Rafa Marin (Injured), Gueye (Injured), Gerard (Injured)
Barcelona vs Villarreal prediction
Villarreal will believe they are a sophisticated enough side to smartly catch the Barca high-line but there will also be concerns that the visitors have massively underperformed on the big occasion. This match tends to produce goals and tends to go in Barca's favour and it could well be that happens once again in Catalonia.
Barcelona vs Villarreal tip: Barcelona to win & over 2.5 goals
