Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Villarreal vs Barcelona match preview
The Estadio de la Ceramica sets the stage for a standout The league race on Sunday afternoon as a side dish Barcelona trip to face the third Villarreal.
La Blaugrana once again set the pace in Spain’s top flight, but Villarreal have also enjoyed an impressive campaign, sitting third and eight points behind the leaders with two games in hand.
Something has to give this weekend with both sides arriving in outstanding league form. Villarreal have won six consecutive La Liga matches, while Barcelona have gone 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 at Racing Santander. Their last league game against Levante was postponed due to bad weather.
Marcelino’s side boast 11 wins from 15 league games, 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 have not beaten the Catalan side at home since October 2007, a statistic they will be looking to rectify.
Barcelona arrive on the back of a 2-0 Copa del Rey win over Guadalajara and have been in great form in all competitions,
Hansi Flick’s side have built a four-point lead at the top of the table, helped by 49 goals in 17 league games, comfortably the best attack in the division.
With the Spanish Super Cup approaching and the Catalan derby against Espanyol at the start of 2026, Barcelona will be looking to maintain their momentum ahead of the winter break.
Team news for Villarreal vs Barcelona
Villarreal are dealing with a long injury list, with Willy Kambwala, Logan Costa, Pau Cabañez, Ramon Terratz, Gerard Moreno and several others unavailable. Pape Gueye and Ilias Akhomach are also absent due to African Cup of Nations duty.
Dani Parejo remains a slight doubt but is expected to feature, while Ayoze Perez is expected to partner Georges Mikoutadze 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 as the midfield pairing. Gavi, Ronald Araujo and Dani Olmo are also out.
Hansi Flick faces decisions in attack, with Ferran Torres likely to lead the line and Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Fermin Lopez providing support.
Expected lineups for Villarreal vs Barcelona
Villarreal: Junior; Navarro, Foyt, Veiga, Cardona; Buchanan, Parejo, Comesana, Miller; Peres, Mikoutadze
Barcelona: J Garce; Kounde, Kubsis, Martin, Balde; To Jong and Garcia; Yamal, Fermin, Rafinha; tow
How to watch Villarreal vs 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 via local La Liga TV, while highlights will be available shortly after full time.
The stats for Villarreal vs Barcelona
• Villarreal have won six La Liga games in a row
• Barcelona have won seven consecutive league games
• Villarreal have conceded just 13 goals in La Liga, their best defensive record this season
• Barcelona scored 49 goals in 17 league games
• 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
Forecast
Villarreal
2
–
3
Barcelona
Both sides are in outstanding form for the league and this has all the ingredients of a high quality open competition. Villarreal’s defensive organization should keep them competitive, but Barcelona’s attacking depth and momentum could prove crucial in a narrow victory.
Bet here
https://www.101greatgoals.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/si_article_builder_1290243735.png
#Villarreal #Barcelona #Lineups #Stats #Preview
