Villarreal v Barcelona – Line-ups, stats and preview
Villarreal take on Barcelona on Sunday in the LaLiga. Read our in-depth preview here
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Match Preview for Villarreal v Barcelona
Estadio de la Ceramica sets the scene for a standout La Liga contest on Sunday afternoon as table-topping Barcelona travel to face third-placed Villarreal.
La Blaugrana have once again set the pace in Spain’s top flight, but Villarreal have also enjoyed an impressive campaign, sitting third and eight points adrift of the leaders with two games in hand.
Something has to give this weekend, with both sides arriving in exceptional league form. Villarreal have won six consecutive La Liga matches, while Barcelona have gone one better with seven straight league victories heading into the winter break.
Despite their domestic momentum, Villarreal have suffered setbacks in other competitions, losing 3-2 to Copenhagen in the Champions League before exiting the Copa del Rey with a 2-1 defeat to Racing Santander. Their most recent league fixture against Levante was postponed due to severe weather.
Marcelino’s side boast 11 wins from 15 league matches, conceding just 13 goals in the process, the best defensive record in La Liga.
Villarreal have won two of their last three league meetings with Barcelona, but they have not beaten the Catalan side at home since October 2007, a statistic they will be keen to put right.
Barcelona arrive on the back of a 2-0 Copa del Rey victory over Guadalajara and are in formidable form across all competitions,
Hansi Flick’s side have built a four-point cushion at the top of the table, aided by 49 goals in 17 league matches, comfortably the best attacking record in the division.
With the Spanish Super Cup and Catalan derby against Espanyol looming in early 2026, Barcelona will be keen to maintain their momentum before the winter pause.
Team news for Villarreal v Barcelona
Villarreal are dealing with a lengthy injury list, with Willy Kambwala, Logan Costa, Pau Cabanes, Ramon Terrats, Gerard Moreno and several others unavailable. Pape Gueye and Ilias Akhomach are also absent due to Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Dani Parejo remains a slight doubt but is hopeful of featuring, while Ayoze Perez is expected to partner Georges Mikautadze in attack, supported by Tajon Buchanan in a wide role.
Barcelona could be without Pedri, who missed training due to a calf issue, potentially leaving Frenkie de Jong and Eric Garcia as the midfield pairing. Gavi, Ronald Araujo and Dani Olmo are also sidelined.
Hansi Flick faces decisions in attack, with Ferran Torres likely to lead the line and Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Fermin Lopez providing support.
Expected line-ups for Villarreal v Barcelona
Villarreal: Junior; Navarro, Foyth, Veiga, Cardona; Buchanan, Parejo, Comesana, Moleiro; Perez, Mikautadze
Barcelona: J Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; De Jong, E Garcia; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Torres
How to watch Villarreal v Barcelona: TV channel, online stream
The match will be broadcast in the UK on Premier Sports, with streaming available via the Premier Sports platform. International viewers can watch through local La Liga TV, while highlights will be accessible shortly after full time.
The stats for Villarreal v Barcelona
• Villarreal have won six consecutive La Liga matches
• Barcelona have won seven straight league games
• Villarreal have conceded just 13 goals in La Liga, the best defensive record this season
• Barcelona have scored 49 goals in 17 league matches
• Barcelona are four points clear at the top of the La Liga table
• Villarreal have won two of their last three league games against Barcelona
• Villarreal have not beaten Barcelona at home since October 2007
Prediction
Villarreal
Barcelona
Both sides are in outstanding league form, and this has all the ingredients of a high-quality, open contest. Villarreal’s defensive organisation should keep them competitive, but Barcelona’s attacking depth and momentum could prove decisive in a narrow away victory.
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