Preview: Barcelona vs. Villarreal – Team news and prediction

FC Barcelona has not had the season they desired; however, they are still active and competitive in the Champions League and La Liga. In La Liga, they cannot afford many more point losses if they dream of repeating as Spanish champions, as they currently trail Real Madrid and Girona by 7 and 8 points, respectively. Last season, they secured the championship due to a strong defense, but this aspect has not performed as desired this year, with Barcelona conceding more goals (24) than expected.

Villarreal is facing significant challenges this season, with only 5 wins in 21 matches, placing them 14th in the league with 10 points. They have a 5-point cushion above the relegation zone, so their primary objective this year is to ensure survival by accumulating as many points as possible.

Last five matches between Barcelona vs. Villarreal: 
◉ 3-4: Villarreal vs. Barcelona 
◉ 0-1: Villarreal vs. Barcelona 
◉ 3-0: Barcelona vs. Villarreal
◉ 0-2: Barcelona vs. Villarreal 
◉ 1-3: Villarreal vs. Barcelona 

Team news: 
Gavi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are injured for Barcelona, and there is still uncertainty surrounding Raphinha, Inigo Martinez, and Marcos Alonso. Ferran Torres appears to be a player who has started to find his form and has now secured a place in Barcelona's offensive lineup. The defense remains a major question mark for Barcelona, but it seems that Andreas Christensen has drawn the short straw and may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Yeremi Pino, Ramon Terrats, Daniel Parejo, and Alfonso Pedraza are injured and not part of the match squad for Villarreal, according to the latest reports. Aissa Mandi is on international duty, while Pepe Reina will have to sit out the game due to suspension.

Barcelona expected lineup: 
Pena, Cancelo, Araujo, Kounde, Balde; Gundogan, De Jong, Pedro; Felix, Lewandoski, Torres.

Villarreal expected lineup: 
Jorgensen, Kiko, Bailly, Cuenca, Moreno; Guedes, Comesana, Coquelin, Baena; Moreno, Sorloth.

Prediction: 
Barcelona has been involved in many high-scoring matches this season, and considering their defensive issues, we suggest a bet on Barcelona to win with both teams scoring, with odds of 2.37 at Bet365.