Prediction: Villarreal vs Barcelona

Verdict: Barcelona draw no bet

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Looking to secure back-to-back La Liga victories this weekend, Barcelona will travel to the Estadio de la Ceramica on Sunday afternoon.

Villarreal

Starting with the hosts, impressing many last season as they claimed another European ticket, some in Villarreal’s camp will have their sights firmly set on mounting a genuine top-four charge this time around. Although the Yellow Submarine might have opened the 2023/24 campaign with a downbeat display as they suffered a 2-1 loss at home against Real Betis, Quique Setien’s men claimed an immediate boost last weekend. Eventually edging their way to a 1-0 victory away at Mallorca, the one-time Barcelona boss will be desperate to get one over on his former employers here. Despite suffering that 2-1 loss at the hands of Betis earlier in the month, Villarreal did gain a reputation for their continued success on home soil last season. It should be highlighted, Setien’s side lost just one of their final nine La Liga appearances at the Estadio de la Ceramica when returning from the World Cup’s winter break.

Team News

Both dealing with long-term injury issues, Villarreal will once again be without the duo of Francis Coquelin and 20-year-old Jeremy Pino this weekend. Likewise, the Yellow Submarine will also be unable to call upon ex-Liverpool defender Alberto Moreno on Sunday afternoon.

While one-time Crystal Palace striker Alexander Sorloth might be waiting to open his account this season, the Norwegian international should lead Setien’s attack here.

Barcelona

As for the visitors, making real La Liga history last season as they got their hands on a first domestic crown since 2019, Barcelona are dreaming of the chance to defend their title this time around. Although Xavi’s side might have opened the new campaign with a 0-0 stalemate away at Getafe on August 13th, the Spanish heavyweights were last seen putting in a rugged performance on home soil. Eventually mounting a late charge as they claimed a 2-0 victory against Cadiz, the reigning champions will be looking to lay down another marker here. However, despite being tipped as a standout contender when they travel to the Estadio de la Ceramica on Sunday afternoon, Barca have shown some extended struggles on the road. Along with signing off the 2022/23 campaign with a 2-1 loss at the hands of Celta Vigo, Xavi’s superstar squad have now recorded just a single win from any of their previous six La Liga appearances away from the Nou Camp.

Team News

Both missing out against Cadiz last weekend, Barcelona will be without the duo of Ronald Araujo and Inigo Martinez when they travel to the Estadio de la Ceramica on Sunday afternoon. Coming off the bench and finding the net in Catalonia last week, ex-Manchester City star Ferran Torres could be handed a full recall.

Notching 23 La Liga strikes last season, attacking talisman Robert Lewandowski will spearhead Xavi’s charge here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides last met back on February 12th, Barcelona picked up a 1-0 victory at the Estadio de la Ceramica.
• Likewise, the reigning Spanish champions clinched back-to-back La Liga victories against Sunday’s hosts last season by an aggregate score of 4-0.
• Xavi’s men have won seven of their last eight La Liga meetings against the Yellow Submarine – a run that stems back to April 2019.
• However, Barca have won just one of their last six La Liga contests away from the Nou Camp continuing on from last season.
• 16 of the last 17 La Liga meetings between Sunday’s opponents have seen over 1.5 goals by the final whistle.

Conclusion

Mounting a late flurry against Cadiz last weekend as they eventually landed a 2-0 victory on home soil, Barcelona will be desperate to lay down another domestic marker here. With their sights set on defending their La Liga crown this season, Sunday’s guests will be excited by an eye-catching record against the Yellow Submarine. Landing a 1-0 victory when they travelled to the Estadio de la Ceramica back on February 12th, Xavi’s side have won seven of their previous eight top-flight showdowns against Villarreal.

Verdict: Barcelona draw no bet

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: Olympusbet