Villarreal vs Barcelona Preview: Team News & Prediction
by Alex Lawes ·
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This is a massive game just before Christmas in Spain because Villarreal could make themselves even more serious title contenders in La Liga if they defeat Barcelona.
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+
Villarreal preview: Flying Yellow Submarine
Villarreal begin what is their 16th game of the 2025/26 La Liga campaign sitting just four points behind Real Madrid and eight adrift of league leaders Barcelona with two games in hand on both Los Blancos and the Blaugrana.
The Yellow Submarine have been brilliant of late, with Marcelino’s 2-0 victory against Getafe at El Madrigal a couple of weeks ago, extending their winning streak to six matches in the league.
Barcelona preview: Brilliant Blaugrana
Barcelona, defending champions, are again at the top-of-the-table but they could end up being just five ahead of Villarreal with Villarreal having two games in hand should the Yellow Submarine spring a surprise this weekend.
Hansi Flick’s Barca eased to a 2-0 defeat of Guadalajara in the round of 32 of the Copa del Rey in midweek, making it eight victories in their last nine matches across all competitions.
Villarreal team news: Lots of issues
Predicted XI (4-4-2): Junior; Pau Navarro, Foyth, Veiga, Andre Altimira; Buchanan, Dani Parejo, Santi Comesana, Alberto Moleiro; Ayoze, Mikautadze
Unavailable: Costa (Injured), Kambwala (Injured), Santiago Mourino (Injured), Sergi Cardona (Injured), Partey (Injured), Gueye (International duty), Pau Cabanes (Injured), Ilias Akhomach (Internationaal duty)
Questionable: Gerard (Injured)
Barcelona team news: Midfield injuries
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Alex Balde; Eric Garcia, Pedri; Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Rashford; Ferran Torres
Unavailable: Ronald Araujo (Personal reasons), Gavi (Injured), Dani Olmo (Injured)
Questionable:
Villarreal vs Barcelona prediction
Villarreal were beaten by Racing Santander in the Copa del Rey in midweek and they have been woeful in the UEFA Champions League. They have been fully focused on La Liga and, with that, a week off last week won’t have harmed them. Barcelona are simply the most entertaining team to watch in European football and with the energy of the hosts likely to help produce yet another thriller, a high-scoring clash is to be expected.
Villarreal vs Barcelona tip: Over 2.5 goals
