Barcelona vs Villarreal: Preview, Team News, Lineups, H2H, Prediction, Odds and Telecast
Barcelona vs Villarreal Match Preview
Tournament – La Liga
Date – Saturday, January 27
Kick-off Time – 11:00 pm IST
Venue – Olimpic Lluis Companys Stadium
Barcelona are still in contention for three trophies this season but have arguably been far from their best.
Having won the La Liga title last season, Xavi Hernandez’s side trail leaders Girona and arch-rivals Real Madrid in their defense this season. They are eight points behind Girona with a game in hand.
They also recently lost the Supercopa de Espana final to Real Madrid. However, they qualified for the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, but they faced a huge defeat 2-4 against Athletic Club on Thursday night.
Villarreal, meanwhile, are 14th in the La Liga table and are just five points above the relegation zone. The Yellow Submarines have struggled this season. They also suffered a shock defeat on penalties against third-tier side Unionistas in the Copa del Rey Round of 32.
Team News
Barcelona are without Gavi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen due to their respective long-term injuries. Andreas Christensen, Inigo Martinez, Marcos Alonso, and Raphinha are also unlikely to feature against Villarreal.
The Yellow Submarines, meanwhile, are missing Aissa Mandi due to his participation in AFCON with Algeria while Pepe Reina is suspended. Yeremi Pino, Ramon Terrats, Daniel Parejo, and Alfonso Pedraza are also out for the Barcelona clash.
Meanwhile, Juan Foyth could return to the squad on Saturday.
Possible Lineups
Barcelona:
Goalkeeper: Inaki Pena
Defenders: Ronald Araujo, Jules Kounde, Joao Cancelo, Alex Balde
Midfielders: Ilkay Gundogan, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri
Attackers: Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski
Villarreal:
Goalkeeper: Filip Jorgensen
Defenders: Kiko, Eric Bailly, Jorge Cuenca, Alberto Moreno
Midfielders: Goncalo Guedes, Santi Comesana, Francis Coquelin, Alex Baena
Attackers: Gerard Moreno, Alexander Sorloth
Head-to-Head
Barcelona dominate the matchup between the two sides, having won 22 of their 27 meetings across competitions. Villarreal have beaten the Blaugrana just once, with four clashes ending in a draw.
The Yellow Submarines have lost all of their last five encounters against Barca.
Last five results:
- Villarreal 3-4 Barcelona – La Liga – August 27, 2023
- Villarreal 0-1 Barcelona – La Liga – February 13, 2023
- Barcelona 3-0 Villarreal – La Liga – October 21, 2022
- Barcelona 0-2 Villarreal – La Liga – May 23, 2022
- Villarreal 1-3 Barcelona – La Liga – November 28, 2021
Also Read: Valencia vs Athletic Club: Preview, Team News, Lineups, H2H, Prediction, Odds and Telecast
Prediction
Barcelona have won five of their last six games across competitions, losing the other. They beat Real Betis 4-2 away in their last game.
Barca will face Athletic Club away before facing Villarreal, which could be a factor in the result of the clash.
However, Villarreal have been poor this season. They are without a win in their last four games across competitions and also dealing with a significant injury crisis.
Hence, Barcelona are expected to take all three points against the Yellow Submarines.
Predicted Score: Barcelona 3-2 Villarreal
Odds (subject to change)
Barcelona win – 1.35
Villarreal win – 9.00
Draw – 6.40
Odds source – Oddspedia.com
Players to Watch Out For
Barcelona
Winger Lamine Yamal is likely to be the key player for Barcelona against Villarreal. The 16-year-old has put in excellent performances this season, making 28 appearances across competitions and registering two goals and five assists.
He was one of Barcelona’s best players in their 4-2 win over Real Betis despite only registering one assist. In Raphinha’s absence, Yamal will look to dominate the right wing again.
Villarreal
For Villarreal, the player to watch out for is Alex Baena. The attacking midfielder is the chief creator for his side and has provided nine assists in 27 games across competitions this season along with scoring four goals.
Baena scored Villarreal’s goal in their 1-1 draw against Mallorca and will look to help them get over the line against Barca.
Also Read: Girona vs Sevilla: Preview, Team News, Lineups, H2H, Prediction, Odds and Telecast
Where to Watch
- India – Jio Cinema, Sports 18
- UK – ITV
- US – ESPN+
- Spain- fubo TV