Villarreal vs Barcelona
Football: Spanish Primera Division
Sunday 8th January 2017 - Kick Off 7:45pm
With Copa del Rey action draining his players midweek, Barca manager Luis Enrique will need to get the balance right with his selection. It will mean finding the right combination in midfield.
Usually, the right combination in the middle for Barca involves two players supporting Andres Iniesta. The 32-year-old is said to be involved in contract talks with the Camp Nou club, according to Spanish publication Sport (h/t Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports).
Keeping Iniesta is important, although Barca do boast a few talented youngsters who might one day take his place as chief playmaker, including Denis Suarez and Andre Gomes.
Unfortunately, MailOnline's Pete Jenson believes the pair have yet to truly sparkle since being signed last summer. However, Enrique may give either player some valuable playing time as he looks to keep his squad fresh during a congested January.
Of course, Barca win or lose based on the effectiveness of their forward line, with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar forming the best front three in the game.
Enrique is certain to need all three fit and firing at El Madrigal.
Yet Barcelona's coaching staff will know it won't be easy for their star players to impose themselves at the home of the Yellow Submarine—not when Villarreal boast quality in every area of the pitch.
In particular, manager Fran Escriba has earned praise after taking over under difficult circumstances at the start of the season. Last month, Sid Lowe of the Guardian lauded how the 51-year-old has built on the work of predecessor Marcelino.
Escriba's squad is loaded with quality in attacking midfield areas. Jonathan Dos Santos and Manu Trigueros are key figures in the middle, but solidity at the back defines this team.
Victor Ruiz and Mario form an imposing tandem at the heart of the back four. The former's reading of the game is a key asset, something he'll need to help try to subdue Barca's star forwards.
Villarreal have upset some of Spain's big boys already this season, including in their 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid in December. If Barca aren't immediately sharp after the winter break, the Yellow Submarine will claim another big-name victim.
Villarreal Team News & Preview
Villarreal will fancy their chances of an upset here. They are in very good form at home and have won six of their last seven home games in La Liga, keeping three clean sheets in their last five at El Madrigal.
Barcelona have been quite inconsistent lately and have drawn three of their last five. Fran Escriba’s men will look at this as the ideal opportunity to pick up the three points against the Catalan giants.
The home side will be without the likes of Soldado and Cheryshev due to injury. Cedric Bakambu is away on international duty.
Predicted Villarreal Starting Lineup (4-4-2): Asenjo; Mario, Ruiz, Musacchio, Costa; Castillejo, Trigueros, Bruno, Santos; Pato, Sansone
Villarreal vs Barcelona Key Stats
Barcelona have won 9 of their last 11 away matches in La Liga.
Barcelona are undefeated in their last 16 matches against Villarreal in all competitions.
Villarreal have won 6 of their last 7 home matches in La Liga.
Barcelona have scored at least 2 goals in their last 5 matches against Villarreal in all competitions.
Villarreal vs Barcelona Betting Tips
Villarreal have scored at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 7 home matches in La Liga. Barcelona have scored at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 7 away matches in La Liga. seem likely.
Villarreal have been very good at home in their last few games. Bet on the .
Barcelona have an outstanding record against Villarreal. Bet on the .
Villarreal vs Barcelona Prediction
If Real Madrid win their match against Granada today, Barcelona will be six points behind them.
The away side cannot afford any more slip-ups and this is a must win for them. Villarreal have been formidable at home, but Barcelona have the quality to win here.
