"The Blaugrana reclaimed top spot in the standings after beating Levante 3-0 last weekend, with Real Madrid dropping points against Osasuna. Hansi Flick's side go into the game with a one-point lead, which they can extend to four with a victory, and ramp up pressure on their rivals who face Getafe on Monday night."
"However, Villarreal will be a tricky opponent for the reigning champions, given that they have won three of their last four league games and are currently third in the standings. The reverse fixture, played in December, saw Barcelona run out 2-0 winners after Villarreal had a player sent off in the first half."
"Barça, though, go into the game without key midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who suffered a hamstring injury in training this week. Gavi, meanwhile, has resumed training with the group but is still some way away from returning. Andreas Christensen remains unavailable too."
Barcelona hosts Villarreal at the Spotify Camp Nou in a La Liga match where the Blaugrana hold a one-point lead at the top of the standings. A victory would extend their advantage to four points ahead of Real Madrid's Monday fixture against Getafe. Villarreal presents a formidable challenge, having won three of their last four league games and currently sitting third. Barcelona won the reverse fixture 2-0 in December. Hansi Flick's side will be without midfielder Frenkie de Jong due to a hamstring injury sustained in training, while Gavi remains unavailable. The defensive lineup is expected to feature changes, with Alejandro Balde returning at left-back and Pau Cubarsi replacing Gerard Martin in central defense.
Read at Barca Universal
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]