With both Villarreal and Barcelona sitting comfortably mid-table, both will be out to strengthen their position when facing off on Saturday. Following 13 matches, Villarreal rank 12th in the La Liga on 16 points. That leaves a gap of 4 points to Barcelona, who sit 7th after collecting 20 points.
Barcelona are aiming to extend the lead on Villarreal in the La Liga when the pair go head-to-head on Saturday.
Villarreal go into their next La Liga match, averaging a humble 1.3 goals per game in their last 10 matches. They scored a mundane total of 13 goals, while also conceding 11 goals. That amounts to an average of 1.1 per game, in which they kept their opponents from scoring 4 times.
Barcelona travel to their next La Liga match, averaging a lowly 1.3 goals per game in their last 10 matches. They scored a disappointing total of 13 goals, while also conceding 11 goals. That amounts to an average of 1.1 per game, in which they kept their opponents from scoring 3 times. Let's take a look at some predictions!
Our Predictions
Stats and facts for Villarreal and Barcelona.
- Villarreal scored in the last 7 of 9 matches;
- Total goals was UNDER 3.5 in Villarreal's last 3 of 5 matches;
- Villarreal conceded in the last 5 of 7 matches;
- Both teams scored in Villarreal's last 4 of 6 matches.
- Barcelona unbeaten the last 3 matches in a row;
- Barcelona did not win the last 5 matches in a row when playing away;
- Total goals was UNDER 3.5 in Barcelona's last 3 of 5 matches;
- Barcelona scored in the last 6 of 8 matches.
Current form — Villarreal v. Barcelona
Villarreal in nice flow.
One can't really point a finger on the results for Villarreal in past weeks, as they have performed according to their level. Villarreal have been all in their last 3 matches, which brought added 4 points to their tally. They claimed a 1-0 win against Getafe, before drawing 1-1 with Celta Vigo. This little streak came to an end, when Manchester United proved too strong in a 2-0 defeat for Villarreal.
Barcelona paddling along
Results have been pretty much up to scratch in recent matches for Barcelona, who have performed more or less according to expectations. Barcelona go into their upcoming match unbeaten in their previous 3 matches, which started off with a 3-3 draw against Celta Vigo. They went on to beat Espanyol by 1-0, before sharing the spoils with Benfica in a 0-0 draw.
The two sides seem relatively equal right now, with current results indicating both are in equal shape. As such, it looks like a game that could go either way, which could easily make a draw the value pick, if that is your preferred betting strategy. The bookmakers currently settle the price for at home win at 2.60. Should your betting strategy prefer the long shot, the odds for an away win are 2.55. Adding a draw to the accumulator will get you odds 3.50.
Villarreal v. Barcelona — fixture history
The last time the two teams faced off against each other, Barcelona came away as 1-2 winners. In was a match played at Estadio de la Ceramica back in April 2021 in the La Liga. This time round, betting on Barcelona will get you odds 2.55, meaning the bookies predict, they are in with a 39% chance of beating Villarreal. You can get a price of 2.60, should you wish to bet your money on Villarreal. Villarreal enter the match against Barcelona with a 0-2-8 record in their previous 10 encounters in the La Liga. This amounts to a 0% winning ratio for Villarreal, with Barcelona victorious in 80% of the last 10 encounters. The past 10 matches between Villarreal and Barcelona have largely been entertaining matches. With more than two goals coming out 7 times in these encounters, it is only natural to look for goals this coming Saturday.
Current standings in the La Liga
Let's have a look at the present situation in the La Liga table. Villarreal are currently sitting on the position number 12 as they have recorded 16 points in 13 matches. The visitors are number 7 at the moment after having scored 20 points in 13 games so far. The difference between the two teams is currently 4 points and 5 spots. It will be interesting to see how the two clashing teams split the points in this upcoming match.
Primary goalscorer
Despite having scored just once lately, Francis Coquelin is one of the players from Villarreal who we expect to be hitting the net again quite soon. Similarly, Barcelona have Memphis Depay on top of the list with 4 goals to his account at this point. Equally, more goals are to be expected from him.