Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Officially crowned La Liga champions earlier in the week, Barcelona will return to Catalonia on Sunday evening when they meet Villarreal.
Barcelona
Starting with the hosts, while Barcelona might have suffered major Champions League heartbreak over in Italy a fortnight ago, the Spanish giants have not shown any signs of a hangover. Although some around Catalonia might have been shocked last summer following Hansi Flick’s arrival, they have enjoyed a remarkable rise under the former Bayern Munich boss. Officially crowned La Liga champions on Thursday night as they clinched a famous 2-0 victory away at bitter local rivals Espanyol, Barcelona have completed an iconic domestic silverware sweep this season. Not suffering a single defeat against La Liga opposition so far this calendar year, Flick’s side will certainly have a real party atmosphere in their camp this weekend. Gaining a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third, Sunday’s hosts will be looking to make another public statement here.
Barcelona Team News
Picking up a hamstring injury against Inter Milan on April 30th, Barcelona have already confirmed that French international Jules Kounde will miss out here. However, despite serving a one-match ban away at Espanyol on Thursday night, Inigo Martinez could be handed a full recall at the heart of Flick’s defence.
Likewise, with Flick potentially looking to make a handful of alterations, the likes of Pau Cubarsi and Fermain Lopez could feature from the start. Bagging an eighth La Liga strike of the season in midweek and now regarded as a leading Ballon d’Or contender, 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal will play a leading role in the final third.
Villarreal
As for the visitors, enjoying what has become a real purple patch, Villarreal have skyrocketed their way up the La Liga standings and now sit firmly in the driving seat to punch a lucrative Champions League return this month. Last seen putting in another dominant display as they stormed their way to a 3-0 romp at home against Leganes in midweek, Marcelino’s men will certainly ask some real questions here. Really finding top gear at a crucial time of the season, the Yellow Submarine have won all of their previous four La Liga appearances by an aggregate score of 9-2. Likewise, suffering just a single top-flight defeat since returning from March’s international break, Sunday’s guests should be excited by a trip to Catalonia this weekend.
Villarreal Team News
Both still dealing with respective season-ending injuries, Villarreal will once again be without the duo of Raul Albiol and former Barcelona youngster Ilias Akhomach here. Picking up an ankle issue against Osasuna earlier in the month, former Watford defender Kiko Femenia remains a doubt on Sunday evening.
Bagging a brace against Leganes in midweek and taking his La Liga goal tally to 18 strikes, ex-Newcastle star Ayoze Perez will spearhead Marcelino’s attack. One-time Tottenham misfit Juan Foyth will partner Logan Costa at the heart of Villarreal’s defence in Catalonia.
Barcelona vs Villarreal Key Factors to Consider
- When Barcelona and Villarreal met for their reverse La Liga meeting on September 22nd, the newly-crowned Spanish champions stormed their way to a 5-1 victory in Castellon.
- Barca have not suffered a single domestic defeat across any competition so far this calendar year.
- Villarreal have won their previous four consecutive La Liga appearances by an aggregate score of 9-2.
- The last three meetings between Barcelona and Villarreal has produced 21 goals at both ends of the pitch.
- 10 of the last 12 meetings between Sunday’s opponents has finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Officially crowned La Liga champions on Thursday night following their 2-0 victory against bitter local rivals Espanyol, Barcelona will certainly have a real party atmosphere in their camp here. However, although Flick’s high-flying squad might not have suffered a single domestic defeat so far this calendar year, they will meet a Villarreal squad who are enjoying their own extended flurry. With the Yellow Submarine winning their previous four La Liga appearances by an aggregate score of 9-2, it should also be highlighted that Sunday’s opponents have a habit of producing fireworks when they meet.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 1/2
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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