Barcelona v Villarreal - Preview and possible lineups

Elliot Turnbull 5 years ago 10.2k
Barcelona are currently second in LaLiga. EFE

We take a look ahead to Sunday's LaLiga clash between Barcelona and Villarreal from Camp Nou.

TEAM NEWS: 

Barcelona: The hosts will be without striker Luis Suarez after the Uruguayan suffered a knee injury.

Midfielders Arthur Melo, Rafinha and Sergi Roberto are all sidelined with injury while Samuel Umtiti is doubtful for the fixture.

Villarreal: Villarreal has been plagued with injuries this season with many of their star performers still recovering from their injuries.

Bruno Soriano and Javi Fuego are set to miss the match with injuries.

WHO IS SAYING WHAT? 

Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde on facing Villarreal: 

"We expect Villarreal to pressure us on the outlet. They will battle for possession and can give us different looks.

"We think we'll continue getting players back. The injuries we're having is something that happens throughout a season, and which we have to overcome."

Vllarreal boss Javier Calleja on facing Barcelona: 

"We're looking warding to comung up against one of the greatest teams in the world. 

"We know that we're going to have to be at our very best to stand a chance of coming away with a good result. 

"Barcelona is a team full og superstats, to combat them we are going to have to be very organised, tight at the back and catch them with quality on the counter-attack. 

Form: 

Did you know?

Since the 3-0 win over Alaves on 18th August, the Catalans have failed to keep a clean sheet at the Camp Nou in La Liga. 

Barca's total of 12 goals conceded in their own stadium in the third highest total in the division. 

Villarreal have scored in each of their last five away games in the Spanish top-flight.

Possible lineups: 

Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba, Busquets, Vidal, Rakitic, Dembele, Messi, Coutinho

Villarreal: Asenjo, Mario, Funes Mori, Ruiz, Pedraza Sag, Caseres, Trigueros, Cazorla, Fornals, Chukwueze, Gerard.

Mentioned in the news story

Barcelona
Villarreal