Barcelona vs Villarreal: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Talib is an emerging sports journalist who has been with Khel Now since 2024. He covers world football.

Published at :January 25, 2024 at 2:58 PM

Modified at :January 25, 2024 at 2:58 PM

LaLiga 2023-24 Matchday 22 is set to be underway

A big LaLiga clash awaits the Blaugranas this Saturday. FC Barcelona are set to host Villarreal CF at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. The clubs’ top scorers Robert Lewandowski and Gerard Moreno will also vie against each other.

Barcelona lost 4-2 against Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey, and Villarreal drew 1-1 with RCD Mallorca. So, the home fans will expect their team to catch up with Real Madrid, currently sitting third in LaLiga. They’ve scored 40 goals but struggle defensively, conceding 24. On the other hand, Villarreal, 14th in the league, have scored 28 but conceded 42.

Kick-off

Saturday, 27th January 2024, 5:30 PM GMT (11:00 PM IST)

Form

Barcelona (in La Liga): L-D-W-W-W

Villarreal (in La Liga): L-W-L-L-D

Players to watch

Pedri (Barcelona)

Despite injuries, Pedri is crucial for Barcelona against Real Betis, having shown brilliance in brief moments on the field this season with one goal and an assist in 13 appearances. His impact is pivotal in breaking down Real Betis’ defences.

Gerard Moreno (Villarreal)

Gerard Moreno has been scoring goals for fun despite the team’s low performances. He has scored 9 goals and has further provided 2 assists in just 18 league games.

Match fact

This fixture sees high-scoring games, totalling 141 goals, with Barcelona scoring 94 and Villarreal 47.

Injury & team news

Barcelona team news:

This weekend, Gavi, Marcos Alonso, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Inigo Martinez, and Raphinha won’t be playing due to injuries. However, Joao Cancelo and Andreas Christensen might make a comeback.

Villarreal team news:

Ramon Terrats, Alfonso Pedraza, and Dani Parejo won’t be available this weekend for Villarreal. Yeremy Pino is out for an extended period due to cruciate ligament surgery, and Pepe Reina will be suspended due to a red card.

Head-to-head

Matches: 48

Barcelona: 23

Villarreal: 6

Draws: 9

Predicted lineup

Barcelona Predicted lineup

Sotorres; Kounde, Araujo, Christensen, Balde; De Jong, Gundogan, Pedri; Yamal, Lewandowski, Torres

Villarreal Predicted lineup

Jorgensen; Femenia, Bailly, Cuenca, Moreno; Akhomach, Comesana, Coquelin, Baena; Moreno, Sorloth

Match prediction for Barcelona vs Villarreal

Barcelona’s potent goal-scoring, coupled with Villarreal’s defensive struggles, leads us to predict a 2-1 victory for Barcelona against Villarreal.

Prediciton: Barcelona 2-1 Villarreal

Telecast for Barcelona vs Villarreal

India – Sports 18, JioCinema

UK – Viaplay, ITV

US – ESPN+

Nigeria – DSTV, Gotv

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Syed Talib Haider

Syed Talib Haider is an emerging sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field. A devoted Liverpool FC supporter, Talib brings the energy of the Kop to every piece he writes. His work is driven by a simple goal: to make readers feel the game, not follow it.