Verdict: Barcelona win
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Hoping to widen their buffer at the top of the La Liga standings on Sunday afternoon, Barcelona will travel to Castellon when they meet Villarreal.
Villarreal
Starting with the hosts, while Villarreal might open this weekend’s fixtures sat in bronze medal position among Spain’s elite, the Yellow Submarine have shown some real cause for concern over the past few weeks. Suffering a shock Copa del Rey exit away at Segunda outfit Racing Santander on Wednesday as they fell to a 2-1 loss, Marcelino’s side will be bracing themselves for a stern examination here. Enduring what has been a public Champions League nightmare this season and last seen in European action getting hit with an action-packed 3-2 defeat at home against Copenhagen, Villarreal have suffered back-to-back losses for the first time since the middle of September. However, it should be highlighted, Marcelino’s side secured a sensational 3-2 victory when they last met the reigning Spanish champions back on May 18th.
Villarreal Team News
Dealing with a recent muscle issue and not making a single La Liga appearance over the past month, Villarreal are once again expected to be without summer recruit and former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey. Likewise, still sidelined with a long-term hamstring injury, ex-Manchester United youngster Willy Kambwala will miss out here.
Bagging a consolation Copa del Rey strike against Racing Santander earlier in the week and now registering six direct goal contributions in as many appearances, former Newcastle striker Ayoze Perez could keep his spot from the start. Making a permanent switch from Chelsea over the summer, Renato Veiga will start at the heart of Marcelino’s defence.
Barcelona
As for the visitors, extending on their respective Copa del Rey adventure in midweek as they secured a 2-0 victory away at Guadalajara, Barcelona are enjoying what has become another extended purple patch. With their sights firmly set on retaining their La Liga crown this season, Hansi Flick’s men have rightfully received a fearsome reputation from across the continent. Getting this weekend’s fixtures leading the chase at the top of the table, Sunday’s guests will be looking to make another statement here. Getting December underway with a 3-1 victory at home against historic foes Atletico Madrid, the former Bayern Munich boss finds the mood in his camp at a red-hot high. Including another 2-0 domestic win against Osasuna last weekend, Barca have won all of their previous six appearances across all competitions.
Barcelona Team News
Handed an extended period away to focus on his mental health earlier in the month, Barcelona are once again expected to be without Uruguayan international Ronald Araujo here. Likewise, dealing with a recent shoulder issue, former RB Leipzig playmaker Dani Olmo remains a major doubt on Sunday afternoon.
Left as an unused substitute against Osasuna last weekend, Polish record-breaker Robert Lewandowski could be handed a full recall in the final third. Registering 13 direct goal contributions in as many La Liga appearances so far this season (six goals, seven assists), 18-year-old superstar Lamine Yamal will play a leading role.
Villarreal vs Barcelona Key Factors to Consider
When Villarreal and Barcelona last met for a La Liga showdown back on May 18th, Sunday’s hosts collected a stunning 3-2 victory in Catalonia.
Villarreal have suffered consecutive defeats for the first time since the middle of September.
Barcelona have won all of their previous six appearances across all competitions.
The Yellow Submarine have seen their previous seven matchups in Castellon produced 24 goals at both ends of the pitch.
18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal has registered 13 direct goal contributions in as many La Liga appearances so far this season (six goals, seven assists).
Conclusion
While Barcelona might have signed off the 2024/25 campaign with a dramatic 3-2 loss at the hands of Villarreal, Flick’s defending champions will certainly be excited by a sensational record in Castellon. Including a remarkable 5-1 romp when they travelled to the Estadio de la Ceramica last season, they have won all of their previous six consecutive visits to the Yellow Submarine and they will be looking to make a similar statement here. With Villarreal suffering back-to-back defeats for the first time since the middle of September, Sunday’s hosts will be more than aware that they face a stern examination.
Verdict: Barcelona win
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Dachbet
