La Liga Match Preview Round 21 (2022/23): Villarreal Vs Barcelona

Written by Patrick Echatah

When Barcelona travels to Villarreal on Sunday night, they will be looking to make it six straight victory in the La Liga and extend their advantage over the competition’s leaders to 11 points.

While Villarreal are currently sixth in the division and four points behind fourth-place Atletico Madrid in the race for a Champions League slot, the Catalan giants are currently in prime position to recapture the title.

STYLE OF PLAY

Villarreal will line up in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation, this formation allows Yeremy Pino and Samuel Chukwueze to dominate the central areas of the pitch. Setien looks to give other players in the squad the chance to play and prove themselves while giving rest to some others, especially in the middle, but the pattern will remain the same.

Barcelona coach, Xavi Hernandez will rely on his trusted 4-3-3 formation. The Spaniard has since brought back and implemented the tiki-taka style of play that has seen his team dominate their opponents. They like to play from the back, exchanging short passes as they try to find a break through.

FORM

Villarreal held a commanding position in the table after winning four of their five league games between November 9 and January 22. However, the Yellow Submarine have now dropped their last two games to Rayo Vallecano and Elche, becoming the first team to be defeated by the latter in La Liga this season. Quique Setien’s squad’s 3-1 loss against Elche was undoubtedly a shock and a serious setback, but they now have the potential to bounce back against the top team in La Liga, at least according to the league table.

Villarreal is presently sixth in the leaderboard, four points behind fourth-placed Atletico, but they are only three points clear of 10th-placed Mallorca, so a drop down the standings is still a possibility if their recent poor form continues.

Barcelona’s failure to advance to the Champions League knockout stage was a tremendous blow, but aside from the European setback, the team has had a very successful season thus far. When Barcelona defeated Real Madrid to win the Spanish Super Cup last month, Xavi won his first trophy as Barcelona manager. The Catalan team is also vying for success in the Copa del Rey and Europa League.

In the Spanish Cup semifinal, Blaugrana will play Real Madrid over two legs. In the Europa League knockout stage playoff, Blaugrana will play English powerhouse Manchester United over two legs. The first matchup between the two teams is scheduled to take place at Camp Nou next week.

HEAD TO HEAD

Villarreal and Barcelona played 47 matches so far. Real Madrid have won 8 matches, Barcelona on the other hand have won 29 matches. 10 matches between the Spanish clubs have ended in a draw.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Villarreal will be looking to the Spanish duo of Gerrard Moreno and Yeremy Pino to help break down the opposition and do the needed damage.

Polish striker, Robert Lewandowski will be leading the line for the away side, while Pedri will be pulling the strings in the midfield with Brazilian winger, Raphinha out wide on the right side will be looking to add to his goal tally.

TEAM NEWS

Villarreal: Alfonso Pedraza, Nicolas Jackson, Giovani Lo Celso, and Filip Jorgensen were out for Villarreal against Elche last weekend due to injuries, and the same is anticipated for this game. Pau Torres, who was not involved in the match against Elche, is likely to make a comeback for the Yellow Submarine in the middle of the defense as they have no recent fitness concerns.

Following the unsatisfactory performance the last time out, head coach Setien is likely to resist the urge to change his lineup. The majority of the starting XI is expected to stay in place, including Gerard Moreno, who scored his team’s goal in the defeat to the bottom team in the division.

Barcelona: For Barcelona, Ousmane Dembele will be sidelined until the middle of March due to a hamstring issue, and Sergio Busquets will also be out until further notice due to the ankle injury he sustained against Sevilla. The lone change from the starting lineup last time out might be Ansu Fati replacing Busquets, which would see Gavi move into a midfield position for the visitors.

The lone change from the starting lineup last time out might be Ansu Fati replacing Busquets, which would see Gavi move into a midfield position for the visitors.

PREDICTED LINEUP

Villarreal: Reina; Foyth, Albiol, P Torres, Mojica; Capoue, Parejo; Chukwueze, Baena, Pino; G Moreno

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Alba; Pedri, De Jong, Gavi; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Fati

VERDICT

Barcelona’s lengthy winning streak will eventually come to an end, but we are tipping them to win again in this match. Villarreal has the ability to make the league leaders uncomfortable in this match. Villarreal 1-2 Barcelona

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