FC Barcelona didn’t face much competition last year to win the league. They were 10 points ahead of the second-placed Real Madrid. But it won’t be that easy for the Catalan club in this new campaign. Barcelona have picked up four points from their first two games, drawing one and winning one. Meanwhile, Barca’s arch-rival Real Madrid FC picked up three victories from three matches to sit at the top of the table.
However, Barcelona’s third game will take place this evening, with Villarreal welcoming the Catalan side at El Madrigal. Villarreal suffered a defeat in their opening game in La Liga. But they returned to the winning track in their 2nd match as they won against Mallorca.
Stats & Facts
FC Barcelona have suffered three consecutive defeats against Villarreal between 2007 and 2008. But the Blaugrana made a strong comeback after that. They lost only one of their last 28 games against Villarreal in all competitions.
At El Madrigal, Barca have a strong record also. They have won their last four consecutive games against Villarreal at El Madrigal. Moreover, Barca haven’t lost any of their last 14 league meetings with Villarreal in this stadium.
Barca have scored a total of 98 goals against Villarreal. They would become the first team to reach 100 scores against the Yellows tonight. In addition, Villarreal have suffered 28 defeats against the Blaugrana in La Liga, the most against any other opponent.
Team News
The home side will miss the service of Alberto Moreno and Francis Coquelin due to injury. Meanwhile, Yeremy Pino is still in doubt and might miss the game. If Yeremy Pino misses the match, Ben Brereton Diaz is the favorite to replace him.
As for FC Barcelona, Raphinha is still out of the squad due to the three-match suspension. Defender Ronald Araujo is also missing due to a hamstring injury, while Pedri has a thigh issue ahead of the game.
However, Barca’s star striker Robert Lewandowski hasn’t scored a single goal in the first two games. But manager Xavi Hernandez has no concerns about it. “I’m not worried because he also generates a lot of other things. He hasn’t got any goals yet but I am very happy with his performances,” Xavi stated.
The Possible Lineup for Villarreal:
Jorgensen; Foyth, Gabbia, Cuenca, Pedraza; Terrats, Parejo, Baena; G Moreno, Sorloth, Brereton
The Possible Lineup for Barcelona:
Ter Stegen; Kounde, Christensen, De Jong; Yamal, Romeu, Gundogan, Balde; Gavi, Lewandowski, Torres
Prediction: Villarreal 1-2 Barcelona
Although FC Barcelona are not in their best form, they are still favorite to win against Villarreal FC. But it will be a tight fight between the two teams. Barcelona will try hard to maintain their winning form at El Madrigal.
Betfair Odds
Villarreal: 3.61
Draw: 3.66
Barcelona: 2.06
