La Liga Clash: Villarreal Vs Barcelona Preview

Introduction

After Matchday 31 The Battle for the crown of La Liga Santander intensifies. With all the top 4 teams not ready to give up, the title race becomes a delight to watch Top 4 aiming for the title, teams in the middle line themselves to get a European spot. With so much still left in the league, the fight for every point deserves your attention.

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Why we should Watch?

After a dominating 5-2 win against Getafe mid-week, FC Barcelona continues their hunt for their 2nd title of the season. The Cup winners still have their fortune in their own hands and winning every of their remaining 7 games will make them Liga Champions. While Villarreal will come into this fixture after a disappointing mid-week display. The Europa League semifinalist find them in the 7th spot within the league and have to push themselves with energy to get a European Spot.

Build Up

Barcelona

Winning 43 points of 48 possible in this calendar year Ronald Koeman and his team is on the right track to be the challenge for the title. The Classico loss was a big setback to their hopes but the team responded well and displayed clinical performance in a row 1st in Cup final and then in Liga midweek. The Blaugranas look well oli machined and full of energy with their magic Man leading from the front. The equation for Barcelona is clear win all of your remaining matches and you are the Champions of Spain.

Barcelona’s Current Form (Last 5 Games)- W,L,W,W,W.

Villarreal

After a great European Campaign Villarreal has arrived in the Semis of Europa League. But, Before that, the challenge for a European competition spot awaits them in La Liga Santander. The Yellow Submarine are 7th on the points table and have to push their way up in order to get a European spot. After an inconsistent season, Villarreal will push to end it well and get a respected finish.

Villarreal’s Current Form (Last 5 Games)- L,W,L,W,W.

Team News and Predicted Lineup

Barcelona

After a convincing display at home, the Blaugranas will travel to face Villarreal with new energy and full strength. After a minor injury, French Winger Ousame Dembélé has returned to give a big boost to the squad. Long-term absentee Goalkeeper Neto Moura is also back in the squad. However, Koeman will miss the services of striker Martin Braithwaite Fati and Coutinho who all haven’t recovered yet.

Predicted Line-up:

GK- Ter Stegen

DEFENCE- Oscar Miguenza , Gerrad Pique , Clement Lenglet

Midfield -Sergio Roberto, Sergio Busquets, Frenkie De Jong, Pedri, Jordi Alba

Attack -Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann

Villarreal

After the loss against Alaves, a very tough fight awaits La Real. With the fight for a European spot getting tougher and Europa League semifinals arriving. The team have to keep fresh energy and positivity to tackle the obstacles. With Vicente Iborra injured for this game, Manu Trigueros and Etienne Capoue will be in charge to manage the midfield duty.

Predicted Line-up:

GK- Sergio Asenjo;

Defence- Alfonso Pedraza, Pau Torres, Raul Albiol, Juan Foyth;

Midfield- Etienne Capoue, Manu Trigueros, Dani Parejo;

Attack- Gerard Moreno, Paco Alcacer, Samuel Chukwueze.

Previous Encounter

The 1st time these 2 sides met this season in La Liga at Camp Nou was total Barca’s domination with the Blaugranas scoring 4 past the Yellow Submarine.

Players To Watch out For

FC Barcelona

Sergio Busquets

The new system has been a Boon of Sergio Busquets. The veteran Defensive midfielder seems to regain his genius and add to his level of brilliance in this new Role. Busquets dominated the midfield in Getafe’s class, His assist to Leo Messi was a delight to watch. Koeman will love to get another top-notch performance from the experienced No.5.

Oscar Miguenza

The young 20-year-old center-back has been the breakout star of the season for Barcelona. Oscar had a heavy night against Getafe where Koeman went furious after him for his mistake. However, Koeman made it clear it was just to get the best out of the youngster to brush up on his faults. Miguenza being a self-analyzer will learn from his error and will try to respond back with a bang.

Villarreal

Gerrard Moreno

With 20 goals and 5 assist Gerard Moreno has been the main man for Yellow Submarine. The 29-year-old Spanish striker is the key to success for Emery’s side. The club’s leading goal scorer knows his importance and within a game of such high importance, he will try to help his team in the best way possible.

Paco Alcacer

With just 6 goals the season hasn’t been that good for the 27-year-old striker. The Spanish striker will be excited to face his former club this Sunday. The ex – Barca Man will try to make his presence fell in the tie and won’t mind scoring to haunt Barcelona.

Conclusion

The two teams will give their all to grab 3 points, Which means so much at this position of the League. However, Looking at the current form the Catalans are favorites to clinch the encounter. We at Ball The Matters predict a 3-1 win in Favour of FC Barcelona. However, The Europa League semifinalist can’t be ruled out of the equation. Hence, Get ready for another intense battle as La Liga is set to unfold another thriller.

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