Barcelona vs. Villarreal: Preview, Predictions and Lineups

Barcelona return to Camp Nou on Saturday knowing that a victory over third-placed Villarreal would move them four points clear at the La Liga summit before closest challengers Real Madrid even kick a ball this weekend. Hansi Flick’s side reclaimed first place last Saturday with a routine 3-0 defeat of Levante, capitalising on Madrid’s surprise stumble at Osasuna, but the next assignment is far more daunting: a Villarreal outfit that has won on its last two league visits to Catalonia.

The Yellow Submarine, 10 points adrift of the leaders, are all but out of the title race, yet back-to-away wins have kept faint hopes alive. Only a first victory at the stadium since 2022 would maintain that fragile momentum, and Marcelino’s men arrive with genuine belief after edging past their hosts 2-0 in the reverse fixture before Christmas.

Flick must reshape his midfield and defence. Frenkie de Jong’s hamstring tear rules him out for six weeks, thrusting La Masia graduates Marc Casadó and goal-scorer Marc Bernal into the spotlight. Pedri’s timely return offers experience, while Gerard Martín’s suspension means club captain Ronald Araujo is set to slot in alongside Pau Cubarsí. Long-term absentees Jofre Torrents and Andreas Christensen remain sidelined, although Gavi has resumed training and could feature before the campaign concludes.

Villarreal’s treatment room is similarly busy. Club captain Gerard Moreno is doubtful with a muscle complaint, leaving Nicolas Pépé—revitalised in a more advanced role—to partner Georges Mikautadze. Juan Foyth’s knee injury, coupled with the continued absence of Willy Kambwala, Logan Costa and Pau Cabanes, stretches resources at the back, yet the visitors possess pace on the break through Tajon Buchanan and creativity via Álex Baena stand-in Manu Morlanes.

Expect a tight, tactical affair: Barcelona will dominate possession but know that one lapse could be punished by a counter-attacking Villarreal side that has already shown it can hurt them. With Madrid not in action until Monday, the hosts have the opportunity to lay down a marker in the race for back-to-back championships.

Predicted line-ups

Barcelona (4-2-3-1): J. García; Koundé, Cubarsí, E. García, Cancelo; Pedri, Casadó; Yamal, López, Raphinha; Lewandowski.

Villarreal (4-2-3-1): Júnior; Mouriño, Navarro, Veiga, Cardona; Buchanan, Gueye, Comesaña, Moleiro; Pépé, Mikautadze.

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