Villarreal v Barcelona predictions for Sunday’s La Liga tie. Barcelona secured the La Liga title last season but the start of the new campaign ahas been less convincing and they will be tested in this trip to the Estadio de la Ceramica this weekend. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
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Match Live Sunday, 27th August at 4:30 pm In:
Villarreal vs Barcelona Predictions
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A Battle of Strategy & Skill at Estadio de la Ceramica
Key Stats
– Gerard Moreno, with a 7.55 expert rating, is Villarreal’s top performer this season.
– Barcelona’s defensive record shines, with two clean sheets in their first two matches.
As the La Liga season progresses into its third week, all eyes are set on Estadio de la Ceramica where Villarreal are set to host Barcelona in what’s being touted as the fixture of the week.
Setting the Stage
Barcelona, reigning La Liga champions, have started the season with four points from two games, sitting at sixth place in the table. Villarreal, on the other hand, are currently at the 10th spot with three points. They faced a setback on the opening weekend, suffering a 2-1 defeat against Real Betis but bounced back with a win against Mallorca. Gerard Moreno’s 62nd-minute goal sealed the victory for the hosts.
Past Encounters & Team News
Villarreal, who ended last season at the fifth spot in the table, will play in the Europa League’s group stage this year. They missed the Champions League mark by seven points, a gap they’ll be eager to close this season. Despite bolstering their squad with seven new arrivals in the summer, the Yellow Submarine have a daunting record against Barcelona, having lost seven of their last eight league meetings, including a 1-0 loss in last season’s corresponding match.
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For Barcelona, the last season was a triumphant one as they finished 10 points clear at the top. This year, however, the landscape looks challenging. The Catalans have faced financial woes which limited their transfers. Notable additions include Oriol Romeu, Ilkay Gundogan, and Inigo Martinez. Despite their league standing, injuries have troubled the side with Pedri and Ronald Araujo both sidelined.
Analysis & Key Battles
When we delve into the individual performances, Gerard Moreno’s 7.55 BettingTips4You Expert Rating for Villarreal stands out. Barcelona’s defensive stalwart, Jules Koundé, with an expert rating of 8.20, will be key in nullifying Moreno’s threat.
Ball possession statistics illustrate a stark difference between the two sides. Barcelona dominate with a whopping 75.0% average possession, compared to Villarreal’s 61.5%. The Catalan giants’ passing accuracy is a testament to their midfield prowess with players like Gundogan (BettingTips4You Expert Rating 7.70) pulling the strings.
Predictions
1. Both Teams to Score: YES
When you drill down into the form and the current attacking capabilities of both sides, it’s hard to overlook the potential for goals from both ends. Villarreal, while placed 10th after just two matches, have shown they have the firepower to trouble teams, especially at home. Their recent win against Mallorca, underscored by Gerard Moreno’s strike, exemplifies their intent upfront.
Barcelona, on the other hand, are not a side known to shy away from the goal. With recent signings like Ilkay Gundogan bolstering their midfield and the ever-reliable Robert Lewandowski spearheading the attack, they’re primed to find the back of the net. However, the departure of Ousmane Dembele and injuries to key players like Pedri does mean they might be slightly vulnerable, possibly conceding a goal.
Moreover, the stats bear out this prediction. Villarreal’s average of 1 goal per game and Barcelona’s similar record, coupled with their respective defensive performances, suggest a likelihood for both nets to bulge.
2. Correct Score: Villarreal 1 – 2 Barcelona
Barcelona, having won the La Liga title last season with a comfortable margin, start as favourites for this match, despite their financial constraints and a less active summer transfer window. Their winning mentality and solid form, as shown by their recent 2-0 win against Cadiz, points towards a positive result for them.
However, Villarreal aren’t pushovers, especially at Estadio de la Ceramica. Their recent form suggests they have the capacity to breach Barcelona’s defence, particularly if the Catalans are having an off day or if their recent injuries play a more significant role.
With Barcelona’s superior firepower and Villarreal’s home advantage in play, a tight encounter with a 2-1 scoreline in favour of Barcelona seems a likely outcome, balancing both team’s attacking threats and current vulnerabilities.
3. Goalscorer: Gerard Moreno
Gerard Moreno is a name that often echoes around Estadio de la Ceramica with fondness. He’s started the season on a positive note, finding the net in the recent win against Mallorca. His goal in the 62nd minute of that game demonstrated his poise and precision in front of the goal.
Looking at the top player’s stats, Moreno leads the Villarreal squad with the highest BettingTips4You rating among forwards, underlining his importance to the team. With 1 goal already to his name this season, he is in form and will be the primary threat to Barcelona’s backline.
Given Barcelona’s defensive concerns, especially with Araujo sidelined due to injury, Moreno’s chances of scoring look promising. His ability to be in the right place at the right time, combined with his proven track record, make him the most likely candidate to get on the scoresheet for Villarreal.
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