While Barcelona do not have anything to play for, there is a lot at stake for Villarreal in this fixture as they are not yet certain to finish in a top-five spot. The home team secured the league title with a 2-0 win over Espanyol in their last outing, and they are all set to be presented with the title in the aftermath of this fixture against Villarreal.
While the Blaaurana did face a turbulent period at the end of 2024, they have bounced back in some fashion and are now set to celebrate yet another title in Hansi Flick’s debut campaign. Barcelona are heading into this fixture on the back of six straight wins in the league and they will be looking to extend that run.
Meanwhile, the visitors have won each of their last four league games, which has certainly strengthened their position inside the top five. The Yellow Submarine have a five-point lead over sixth-placed Real Betis with just two games to go.
Villarreal are in a very comfortable position with respect to securing a UEFA Champions League spot, but they cannot take it for granted and will push for all three points against the Catalan giants. Their last outing was a 3-0 win over Leganes, and they will be hoping for a similar performance against the champions. The Hard Tackle takes a close look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
Barcelona remain without the services of Jules Kounde, Marc Casado, Marc Bernal, and Pablo Torre ahead of the game against Villarreal. Meanwhile, Inigo Martinez is back after serving a suspension last time out. But there are doubts about the availability of Ronald Araujo because of a muscle issue.
Hansi Flick will certainly make a few changes to the XI that started in their last outing, but he will still put out a very strong XI to ensure they keep winning. The home team will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Wojciech Szczesny will be in goal. Eric Garcia and Alejandro Balde will continue as the full-backs, with Pau Cubarsi and Martinez to feature in the heart of the defence.
As for the midfield unit, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will form the double pivot in midfield. They will not only shield the backline but also look to control the tempo of the game. Fermin Lopez could feature in the number ten role with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the flanks. Robert Lewandowski should spearhead the Barcelona attack against Villarreal on Sunday.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Szczesny; Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Balde; de Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Villarreal will be without the services of Kiko Femenia, Raul Albiol, Thierno Barry and Ilias Akhomach against Barcelona this weekend. Apart from the quartet, everyone else should be available for this fixture.
Villarreal will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, where Luiz Junior will take charge in goal. Juan Foyth could switch to the right-back slot, while Alfonso Pedraza will continue on the left flank. Willy Kambwala should partner with Logan Costa in the heart of the defence.
Pape Gueye and Dani Parejo will form the double pivot in midfield. While they will look to ensure they do not allow Barcelona to dominate the ball, the duo will certainly have a lot of defending to do.
In the final third, Nicolas Pepe and Yeremy Pino will feature on the flanks, while Alex Baena will take up the number ten role. Finally, Ayoze Perez, who has been in red-hot form, will continue to lead the line for Villarreal against Barcelona.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Luiz Junior; Foyth, Kambwala, Costa, Pedraza; Gueye, Parejo; Pepe, Baena, Pino; Perez
Perez has had a massive impact on Villarreal’s season. The 31-year-old has certainly had a debut campaign to remember. In his 31 outings across competitions, he has contributed towards a total of 25 goals. While the former Newcastle United attacker has had a few injury issues, he has been a consistent performer for them whenever fit.
He averages a goal every 96th minute in all competitions and having bagged a brace in their last outing, the former Real Betis star will certainly be eager to make a mark against the newly crowned La Liga champions. Perez has a total of 18 league games to his name, and he will look to add to his tally in the final two fixtures.
Barcelona are on a roll, having stitched together six consecutive league wins, and they will be looking to keep the momentum going as they prepare to lift the La Liga trophy in front of their home fans. Hansi Flick’s men have been ruthless in attack and resilient at the back during this dominant run, and even with a few changes expected, they are unlikely to ease up against a high-flying Villarreal side.
Villarreal, meanwhile, are enjoying a fine run themselves and will come into this fixture high on confidence after four straight wins. Ayoze Perez has been in sensational form, and with the creative spark of Alex Baena and the pace of Yeremy Pino and Nicolas Pepe, the Yellow Submarine can certainly trouble the newly crowned champions.
Expect an entertaining, end-to-end affair with both sides finding the back of the net, but Barcelona’s home advantage might just tilt it in their favour. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-2 win for Hansi Flick and his charges.
