Barcelona Face Villarreal Without Key Star as La Liga Leaders Navigate Crucial Clash
Barcelona conclude their calendar year with a challenging away fixture against Villarreal—a match that could significantly impact the La Liga title race.
Hansi Flick's squad has regained momentum and seeks to close out the year with their eighth straight La Liga triumph. Barcelona secured their Copa del Rey round of 16 spot with a midweek victory over Guadalajara and defeated Osasuna last weekend to preserve their flawless home record at the renovated Camp Nou.
However, facing Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica against an equally impressive side will present a formidable challenge. Adding to their concerns, Pedri is struggling with a calf problem that kept him out of Friday's training session, with Flick confirming his unavailability for the match.
Losing him represents a significant setback for Flick, though the Catalans understand that victory would provide tremendous momentum—and deal a psychological blow to Real Madrid—as they enter 2026.
Here's Barcelona's potential starting formation.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Osasuna (4-2-3-1)
GK: Joan García—Although sidelined for over a month due to injury, García has only two fewer shutouts than Luiz Junior, Marko Dmitrovic and Thibaut Courtois (7).
RB: Jules Koundé—The French defender has elevated his performance in his last two appearances and will pose a danger along the right wing.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—During the midweek fixture, Cubarsí became Barcelona's second youngest player ever to reach 100 club appearances. He'll quickly add his 101st appearance to that achievement.
CB: Gerard Martín—Barcelona remain unbeaten since Martín's emergence as a reliable central defender. Now a guaranteed starter, he faces the challenge of neutralizing the threatening Ayoze Pérez.
LB: Alejandro Balde—Another player demonstrating marked improvement over recent weeks. Balde's relentless energy is vital to Barcelona's performance and he'll engage in an intriguing battle with Canadian international Tajo Buchanan.
CM: Eric García—Flick has discovered in García the ideal defensive midfielder. The converted defender excels in winning duels centrally and, recognizing his creative constraints, avoids complications by distributing to more offensive teammates.
CM: Frenkie de Jong—Pedri's absence creates an opportunity for De Jong to earn his first La Liga start in over a month.
AM: Fermín López—These matches require López to rise to the occasion and establish himself as Barcelona's premier No.10 option. While he's demonstrated his ability repeatedly, maintaining consistency remains his primary weakness.
RW: Lamine Yamal—Yamal hasn't experienced back-to-back La Liga matches without a goal or assist this season. Following his quiet performance against Osasuna, the young star will be eager to make his mark.
ST: Ferran Torres—His persistent runs behind the defense, intense pressing and recent scoring form should earn Torres the starting role ahead of Robert Lewandowski.
LW: Raphinha—The Brazilian delivered the decisive performance against Osasuna and after resting during the Guadalajara match, he'll return to the starting eleven determined to shine following his omission from the Best FIFA Men's 11.
