Villarreal v Barcelona – Line-ups, stats and preview
Villarreal – Barcelona match preview
Estadio de la Ceramica sets the stage for a remarkable event La Liga competition on Sunday afternoon as a table-top Barcelona move to face the third Villarreal.
The Blaugrana have once again set the tone in the Spanish top flight, but Villarreal have also enjoyed an impressive campaign, placing third and eight points behind the leaders with two matches remaining.
Something has to give this weekend, with both teams arriving in exceptional league form. Villarreal have won six consecutive La Liga matches, while Barcelona went one better with seven straight league wins before the winter break.
Despite their domestic momentum, Villarreal 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 last league match against Levante was postponed due to bad weather.
Marcelino's side have 11 wins in 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 against Barcelona, but have not beaten the Catalan side at home since October 2007, a statistic they will be keen to correct.
Barcelona come in off the back of a 2-0 Copa del Rey win over Guadalajara and are in terrific form in all competitions,
Hansi Flick's side have built a four-point lead at the top of the table, thanks to 49 goals in 17 league matches, comfortably the best attacking record in the division.
With the Spanish Super Cup and the Catalan derby against Espanyol looming in early 2026, Barcelona will be keen to maintain their momentum ahead of the winter break.
Team news for Villarreal – Barcelona
Villarreal faces a long 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 their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Dani Parejo remains slightly doubtful but hopes to feature, 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 with a calf problem, potentially leaving Frenkie de Jong and Eric Garcia in midfield. 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 vs Barcelona
Villarreal: Junior; Navarro, Foyth, Veiga, Cardona; Buchanan, Parejo, Comesana, Moleiro; Pérez, Mikautadze
Barcelona: J Garcia; Koundé, Cubarsi, Martin, Baldé; De Jong, E Garcia; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Torres
How to watch Villarreal vs Barcelona: TV channel, online streaming
The match will be broadcast in the UK on Premier Sports, with streaming available via the Premier Sports platform. International viewers will be able to watch local Liga TV, while highlights will be accessible shortly after full time.
The stats of the Villarreal – Barcelona match
• Villarreal have won six consecutive La Liga matches
• Barcelona have won seven consecutive league matches
• 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 matches against Barcelona
• Villarreal have not beaten Barcelona at home since October 2007
Prediction
Villarreal
2
–
3
Barcelona
Both teams are in exceptional league form, which brings together all the ingredients of an open, high-quality competition. Villarreal's defensive organization should keep them competitive, but Barcelona's offensive depth and momentum could prove decisive in a close victory.
Bet here
2025-12-21 10:45:00
