Villarreal vs Barcelona live stream, TV channel, lineups, odds for La Liga match
La Liga leaders Barcelona are back to something approaching their best, thanks to the management of Xavi and some solid on-field performances, but a challenging week of fixtures will test their championship mettle.
On Sunday night they face a tricky test of their La Liga title credentials, traveling to Villarreal. Last season's UEFA Champions League semifinalists have not been in great form this year domestically, currently down in seventh position.
But Barcelona will need to be at their best to see off the side managed by their former boss Quique Setién. The ex Betis and Las Palmas manager had an ill-fated spell at the Camp Nou in 2020, suffering an embarrassing 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on his watch; he was sacked a week later.
With Real Madrid contesting the Club World Cup final this weekend, it's a chance for Barcelona to widen their La Liga lead to 11 points. The Sporting News runs through how to follow Barca on Sunday.
Villarreal vs Barcelona live stream, TV channel
The game at Estadio de la Ceramica kicks off at 9 p.m. local time.
Here are the TV and streaming platforms to watch the game for various regions around the world:
Villarreal vs Barcelona lineups
Alfonso Pedraza, Nicolas Jackson, Giovani Lo Celso and Filip Jorgensen have all been missing for the Yellow Submarine due to injury lately, and will likely sit out again. Key centre-back Pau Torres could return to fitness, though.
Villarreal (4-2-3-1): Reina (GK) — Foyth, Albiol, Torres, Mojica — Capoue, Parejo — Chukwueze, Baena, Pino — Moreno
For Barca, Alejandro Balde is expected return to the left-back spot after Jordi Alba deputised against Sevilla, while Ansu Fati could start on the wing, with Xavi — who has used a four-man midfield at times this season — likely to revert to Barcelona's traditional 4-3-3.
Barcelona (4-3-3): Ter Stegen (GK) — Kounde, Christensen, Garcia, Balde — Gavi, De Jong, Pedri — Raphinha, Lewandowski, Fati
Villarreal vs Barcelona odds, prediction
Barcelona are the justified favourites, given their form, although Setien is starting to settle at Villarreal and they're not a bad price to pull off a shock.
The bookmakers expect plenty of goals, given the 'Over' goal total market and the odds for 'both teams to score.' The projection is clearly for an event-filled match.
