Villarreal Set to Battle Barcelona: Key Matchup Preview, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Spanish La Liga table-toppers Barcelona travel to face third-positioned Villarreal this Sunday afternoon in what promises to be one of the most significant fixtures of the campaign in Spain's premier division.

Hansi Flick's Barcelona squad has recovered impressively following their defeat to Real Madrid in the October Clásico encounter. The Catalan club has secured seven consecutive La Liga victories since that setback and currently holds a four-point advantage over Los Blancos at the top of the table.

Villarreal remains competitive in the race, having claimed six successive wins to secure their third-place position. Marcelino's team trails Barcelona by eight points, though they possess two matches in hand, potentially allowing them to surpass Real Madrid for second place, with a Sunday victory potentially positioning them to overtake the current champions.

This fixture might prove uncomfortable viewing for La Liga president Javier Tebas. Despite facing considerable resistance, his ambitious plan involved staging this high-profile encounter in Miami before the initiative ultimately failed. Instead, the Estadio de la Cerámica will host this marquee fixture that could represent a pivotal moment in the championship battle.

Here is Sports Illustrated's comprehensive match preview.

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Villarreal vs. Barcelona Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

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Villarreal Team News

The timing of this encounter couldn't be more challenging for Villarreal, as they're currently dealing with a substantial injury crisis that has deteriorated further in recent days.

With Pape Gueye and former Barcelona youth player Ilias Akhomach departing for AFCON duties, Villarreal may be missing up to eight players for their showdown with Barça. Thomas Partey, Juan Foyth, and Sergi Cardona represent some of the key players anticipated to be unavailable due to fitness concerns.

However, experienced midfielder Dani Parejo is expected to return after a two-week layoff. Gerard Moreno has also rejoined squad training this week, with all indications suggesting his availability for Sunday's match.

Despite the extensive absentee list, the potent attacking combination of Ayoze Pérez, Georges Mikautadze, and Tajon Buchanan possesses the capability to trouble Barcelona's defensive structure.

Villarreal Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona

Villarreal predicted lineup vs. Barcelona (4-4-2): Júnior; Navarro, Marín, Veiga, Pedraza; Buchanan, Comesaña, Parejo, Moleiro; Pérez, Mikautadze.

Barcelona Team News

Flick is expected to deploy his strongest available eleven for this crucial encounter, particularly given that Barça won't return to competitive action until 2026 begins.

Pedri remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, potentially compelling Flick to utilize Frenkie de Jong alongside Eric García in the midfield partnership.

Flick has established his preferred defensive quartet in recent matches and is unlikely to modify a backline that has provided Barcelona with enhanced defensive solidity.

In attack, Ferran Torres could well earn a starting berth ahead of Robert Lewandowski, supported by the influential pairing of Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, with Fermín López operating centrally.

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Villarreal

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Villarreal (4-2-3-1): García; Koundé, Cubarsí, Martín, Balde; García, De Jong; Yamal, López, Raphinha; Torres.

Villarreal vs. Barcelona Score Prediction

Villarreal undoubtedly possesses the ability to halt Barcelona's winning streak, particularly at La Cerámica where the passionate supporters will create an intimidating atmosphere for the visiting team.

However, Villarreal's injury concerns and Barcelona's offensive prowess should prove decisive in this encounter. Yamal and Raphinha specifically are generating scoring opportunities with remarkable consistency, and with Torres enjoying an outstanding campaign, it's difficult to imagine Villarreal restraining them throughout the full 90 minutes.

While Barcelona remains defensively imperfect, they have shown marked improvement in that area lately. Though it won't be straightforward, the Catalan defense should manage to neutralize the home side's attacking threats.

This promises to be a fiercely contested, high-intensity battle, but Barcelona should conclude the year by securing their eighth straight league victory.

Prediction: Villarreal 1–2 Barcelona