Barcelona vs Villarreal - La Liga: TV channel, team news, lineups and prediction
- Barcelona take on a struggling Villarreal side this weekend
- Barca bowed out of the Copa del Rey in midweek
- Villarreal have a mountain of injuries and have struggled in La Liga
After being dealt a bitter blow in midweek, Barcelona are back in La Liga action on Saturday evening as they host Villarreal.
The Copa del Rey was once a competition regarded as a bonus piece of silverware by Barca during their pomp, but the competition represented their best chance of a trophy this term. However, on Wednesday night, Xavi's youthful side succumbed to Athletic Club at San Mames.
The defeat has only ramped up the pressure on the Barca boss, who appears to be on the brink. Anything but a win against a struggling Villarreal side this weekend and Xavi's future will be thrust into serious doubt.
Barca are currently eight points adrift of La Liga leaders Girona with a game in-hand, while the Yellow Submarine enter Saturday's match just five points clear of the drop in 14th.
Here's 90min's preview of Barcelona's upcoming La Liga fixture.
What time does Barcelona vs Villarreal kick-off?
- Location: Barcelona, Spain
- Stadium: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
- Date: Saturday 27 January
- Kick-off Time: 17:30 GMT / 12:30 ET / 09:30 PT
- Referee: Jose Luis Munuera Montero
- VAR: Santiago Jaime Latre
Barcelona vs Villarreal H2H Record (Last Five Games)
- Barcelona: 4 wins
- Villarreal: 1 win
- Draws: 0
Current Form (all competitions)
- Barcelona: WLWWL
- Villarreal: WLLLD
How to watch Barcelona vs Villarreal on TV and live stream
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | LaLigaTV, Viaplay Sports 2 |
United States | ESPN Deportes, ESPN+ |
Canada | TSN4, TSN+ |
Barcelona confirmed lineup vs Villarreal
Barcelona confirmed lineup vs Villarreal (4-3-3): Pena; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Fort; De Jong, Gundogan, Romeu; Yamal, Lewandowski, Felix.
Villarreal confirmed lineup vs Barcelona
Villarreal confirmed lineup vs Barca (4-4-2): Jorgensen; Femenia, Bailly, Cuenca, Moreno; Akhomach, Coquelin, Comesana, Baena; Moreno, Sorloth.
Barcelona vs Villarreal score prediction
Lamine Yamal announced himself to La Liga with his performance in the reverse fixture, and the hosts may be reliant upon him for a spark on Saturday.
However, Xavi's primary concern has to be his defence. The security of 2022/23 has dissipated, and recent injuries will only exacerbate their woes. While Villarreal are far from prolific, they've got a pair of impressive goal-getters up top who should get a few chances to add to their tallies.
The visitors, though, are pitiful defensively and their litany of injuries means it'll be a tough ask for them this weekend despite Barca's vulnerability.
Prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Villarreal
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