Barcelona, after a bit of a hiccup on opening day in Getafe, were able to get their first 3 points of the season against Cádiz at the Montjuic. Pedri and Ferran Torres provided late goals that sealed the victory for the Catalans. So far, it's been 2 goals scored in 2 games. Quite miniature numbers, given the level of attacking power in the squad. But the 2 clean sheets in 2 games so far proves what we already knew last season: the best defense in Spain is in Barcelona. More will be required to beat this next opponent though.
Yes, the record against Villarreal has been sublime. But it doesn't make it a less daunting encounter for the reigning champions. Villarreal are never an easy opponent for anyone, especially on their own turf. They too had a hiccup on opening day, a home defeat to Real Betis, but they bounced back with a win away at Mallorca, Gerard Moreno's goal being the sole difference between the two sides.
They'll have to be at their absolute best to give Barcelona any headaches, and with how competitive the season promises to be, there is little margin of error for both sides in this fixture.
INTERESTING STATS
- Barcelona have won 20 out of their last 48 matches against Villarreal.
- Villarreal registered 3 consecutive league wins against Barcelona between 2007 and 2008. Since then, they have only 1 win out of 28 matches against the Catalan giants.
- Xavi’s team have been unbeaten in their last 14 away matches against Villarreal.
- The home team have lost 28 matches against Barcelona in the history of La Liga, the most that they have suffered against any opponent.
- If Villarreal lose this game, it could make it their first 3-match winless streak at home since February 2021.
Last five meetings
12/02/23 Villarreal 0-1 Barça
20/10/22 Barça 3-0 Villarreal
22/05/22 Barça 0-2 Villarreal
27/11/21 Villarreal 1-3 Barça
25/04/21 Villarreal 1-2 Barça
TEAM NEWS
Villarreal
Alberto Moreno and Francis Coquelin remain absent for Villarreal due to Injuries. Yeremy Pino is also a huge doubt.
Filip Jörgensen will be in goal. The centre-back duo will likely be Matteo Gabbia and Jorge Cuenca, with Juan Foyth and Alfonso Pedraza playing the fullbacks. Ramon Terrats, Dani Parejo and Alex Baena will occupy the midfield. The attacking trio will likely consist of new signings Alexander Sørloth, Ben Brereton Diaz and last week's match winner Gerard Moreno.
Denis Suárez and Ilais Akhomach, former Barça players, will want to play a part in this fixture, but will likely do so from the bench. Santi Comensaña is another viable option, in midfield.
Barcelona
Barça's injury list has begun to grow, unfortunately. Pedri sustained a thigh injury a few days ago and he joins Ronald Araujo in recovery. Iñigo Martinez is yet to get the green light to join the squad. This should give some players, youngsters especially, a chance to impress Xavi.
Marc Andre TerStegen remains dominant between the sticks and will continue to do so here. Jules Koundé and Andreas Christensen will retain their spots, so will Alejandro Balde, who had an injury scare earlier, necessitating the registration of Marcos Alonso. Alonso and Eric Garcia are options to replace Araujo in the lineup.
The Midfield is where things get interesting, again. Last time out, we saw 5 midfielders start. Who replaces Pedri? Do we go back to 4-3-3? No one except Xavi knows, but expect Fermin Lopez and Gavi to have more opportunities, alongside Gündoğan, Romeu and Frenkie DeJong.
Xavi trusted Lamine Yamal with his first start for the senior team against Cádiz, and safe to say, he did enough to warrant another start. Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati and Ez Abde are other options to join Robert Lewandowski in attack. Raphinha remains suspended.
Where is Villarreal vs Barcelona happening?
Location: Villarreal, Spain
Stadium: Estadio de la Ceramica
Date: Sunday 27 August
Kick-off Time: 16:30 BST / 11:30 ET / 08:30 PT
Referee: Alejandro Hernandez
Both sides desperately want to win this one. It'll come down to who wants it the most, even though Barcelona have more quality on paper to take all 3 points, like they usually do when they visit the Ceramica.
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