FC Barcelona
vs
Villarreal CF
Kick-off
16:30 GMT
06 May 2017
With just 3 games of the 2016/17 La Liga season, the title race is closer than ever with Barcelona being one of the two challengers for the trophy and it comes as no surprise that the other side is Real Madrid. Barca are currently top of the table level on points with Real but their rivals have a game in-hand to go 3 points clear. Villarreal are sat in 5th with 5 points separating them from the Champions League places, so a win for them is vital in that push for top 4.
Villarreal haven’t won in 8 league meetings against the Catalan giants as Barcelona have won on 5 occasions with 3 draws. There have been more than 1.5 goals in 4 of the last 5 games between the two sides.
A loss for Barcelona in this fixture would all-but hand the title over to Real Madrid so a win against Villarreal is a necessity in the context of the season and they’ll need their whole team fit and firing to overcome the visitors. Jeremy Mathieu and Andres Iniesta join Aleix Vidal and Rafinha on the injury table and Iniesta will certainly be missed in the midfield. Other than that, they should have enough power in their side. Latest matches: FC Barcelona
29.04.2017
LaLi
Espanyol Barcelona
FC Barcelona
0:3
W
26.04.2017
LaLi
FC Barcelona
CA Osasuna
7:1
W
23.04.2017
LaLi
Real Madrid
FC Barcelona
2:3
W
19.04.2017
UEFA
FC Barcelona
Juventus Turin
0:0
D
15.04.2017
LaLi
FC Barcelona
Real Sociedad
3:2
W
A loss against Barcelona would put an end to Villarreal’s hopes of a Champions League place next season so they need to make sure they pick up a point at the absolute least. Even with 3 wins in their last 3, they probably will still fall short of the Champions League but they need to complete their end of the deal to have any chance. The only notable recent absentee is Victor Ruiz who will be a big miss at the back with threat of the powerful MSN combination. With the rest of the team available and ready to go at the Nou Camp, they’re definitely in with a shout. Latest matches: Villarreal CF
28.04.2017
LaLi
Villarreal CF
Sporting Gijon
3:1
W
25.04.2017
LaLi
Atletico Madrid
Villarreal CF
0:1
W
22.04.2017
LaLi
Villarreal CF
CD Leganes
2:1
W
17.04.2017
LaLi
CD Alaves
Villarreal CF
2:1
L
07.04.2017
LaLi
Villarreal CF
Athletic Bilbao
3:1
W
With their incredible home form and their intense home support, Barcelona certainly head into this match as the firm favourites for the 3 points. Villarreal won’t go down without a decent fight but the quality of Barcelona should be far too much especially in such a vital game right at the business end of the season. Villarreal should be able to grab a goal but a Barcelona win would stupid to bet against.
06 May 2017 - 16:30 GMT
Share your opinion about this preview by leaving a comment below.