Villarreal vs Barcelona Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | LaLiga 2025-26

The Yellow Submarines emerged victorious when they last faced the Blaugrana.

Villarreal are all set to battle it out against FC Barcelona for their matchweek 17 clash of the 2025-26 LaLiga. Estadio de la Cerámica is going to witness this interesting contest between these clubs.

The Yellow Submarines are coming in after facing elimination from the Copa del Rey, but their performances in the Spanish league competition have been good.

They are in third spot on the league table and have won all of their last five games in the domestic competition. Villarreal will be at home for their next one and it is going to be a big advantage for them.

FC Barcelona were outplayed by the Yellow Submarines last time around and this time they will not be looking to make the same mistakes. They are at the top of the LaLiga points table and will be keen to extend their lead. The upcoming league outing is not going to be an easy one for the Blaugrana.

Kick-off:

• Location: Villarreal, Spain
• Stadium: Estadio de la Cerámica
• Date: Sunday, December 21
• Kick-off Time: 08:45 p.m. IST/ 03:15 p.m. GMT/ 10:15 a.m. ET/ 07:15 a.m. PT
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

Villarreal: W-D-W-L-L

Barcelona: W-W-W-W-W

Players to Watch

Alberto Moleiro (Villarreal)

The 22-year-old has been one of the crucial assets for Villarreal this season and is yet again going to play an important role. In 15 LaLiga appearances this season, Alberto Moleiro has scored six goals and has a couple of assists as well. He can control the midfield well and is also beneficial for his side in the attacking front.

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

Lamine Yamal is going to be a constant threat to the opponent’s defence with the ball at his feet. He will be leading the attack from the right for Barcelona. The 18-year-old has 13 goal involvements in 13 league matches this season. He is doing well for Barca and will play an important part in the build-up once again.

Pure chemistry 🧪 pic.twitter.com/j65pkH8Xdz

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 17, 2025

Match Facts

• Barcelona have won all of their last five matches.
• Villarreal have emerged victorious in two of their last five games.
• The Blaugrana have won three of their last five fixtures against the Yellow Submarines.

Villarreal vs Barca: Betting Tips and Odds

• Barcelona to win @10/11 Ladbrokes
• Ferran Torres to score @17/10 Bet
• Goals over 3.5 @8/11 bet365

Injury and Team News

Villarreal will miss out on the services of Pau Cabanes. He is injured. Pape Gueye and Ilias Akhomach are on international duty. Thomas Partey, Gerard Moreno, Willy Kambwala and Santiago Mourino might also miss out due to a lack of fitness.

Dani Olmo and Gavi will not be in action for Barcelona due to their injuries. Ronald Araujo is likely to miss out due to personal reasons.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 56

Villarreal won: 12

Barcelona won: 34

Draws: 10

Predicted Lineups

Villarreal predicted lineup (4-4-2)

Luiz Júnior (GK); Navarro, Foyth, Veiga, Cardona; Buchanan, Comesaña, Parejo, Moleiro; Pérez, Mikautadze

Barcelona predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Joan García (GK); Koundé, Cubarsí, Eric Garcia, Balde; De Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Raphinha, Rashford; Torres

Match Prediction

Both of these clubs are doing well in the league, but it will be FC Barcelona who are likely to come out on to secure a win against Villarreal in their upcoming LaLiga contest.

Prediction: Villarreal 2-3 Barcelona

Telecast Details

India: FanCode

UK: Premier Sports

USA: ESPN+

Nigeria: SuperSport

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