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Barcelona are back in action with another crucial La Liga fixture this weekend as Xavi and his charges take on Unai Emery's Villarreal side at the Estadio de la Ceramica on Saturday.
Villarreal vs Barcelona Preview
Barcelona are in seventh place in the La Liga standings and have endured an abysmal season so far by their own lofty standards. The Catalan giants are yet to lose a game under newly-appointed manager Xavi, however, and will be intent on maintaining their unbeaten streak this weekend.
Villarreal, on the other hand, are in 12th place in the league table at the moment and have struggled to hit their stride this season. The Yellow Submarines suffered a 2-0 defeat against Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League earlier this week and will need to bounce back in this match.
Villarreal vs Barcelona Preview Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Barcelona have a predictably excellent record against Villarreal and have won 27 out of 44 matches played between the two teams, as opposed to Villarreal's seven victories.
- Villarreal have suffered the longest winless run in their history against Barcelona and have failed to win in any of the last 246 games that they have played against Blaugrana.
- Barcelona arrested a four-game winless run with their victory in the Catalan derby and could potentially win back-to-back La Liga games for the first time this season on Saturday.
- Barcelona have scored at least two goals in each of their nine matches against Villarreal in all competitions.
- The previous meeting between the two teams in April this year saw Antoine Griezmann inspire a Barcelona comeback and secure a 2-1 victory.
- Barcelona have failed to win their last five away games in La Liga and have a point to prove this weekend
Villarreal vs Barcelona Prediction
Barcelona have already managed to show signs of improvement under Xavi and dominated their 0-0 stalemate against Benfica this week. The Catalan side might not be able to qualify for the Champions League knock-outs and has a point to prove this weekend.
Villarreal have not been at their best this season and will need to step up to the plate in this match. Barcelona are the better team on paper and should be able to win this game.
Prediction: Villarreal 0-2 Barcelona
Villarreal vs Barcelona Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Barcelona
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5 - Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3 - Memphis Depay to score anytime: YES
Tip 4 - Barcelona to score first: YES
