Saturday 6 May

Barcelona vs Villarreal Match Preview

05 May 2017 Keith M. SPAIN: LaLiga
SPAIN: LaLiga

FC Barcelona

  • W
  • D
  • W
  • W
  • W

vs

Kick-off
16:30 GMT
06 May 2017

Villarreal CF

  • W
  • L
  • W
  • W
  • W

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.

STATS

  • Barcelona have been almost perfect in recent weeks and with 4 wins in their last 5, including a huge 3-2 win in El Clasico, they’re looking in the best shape they’ve looked all season. They confidently brushed aside Espanyol 3-0 in their last match and have scored 13 goals in their last 3 league games.
  • The visitors have been in similar form to the hosts and they’ve also won 4 of their last 5 games, which has added a lot more strength to their push for the Champions League places. They eased past Sporting Gijon in their last game with a 3-1 win and won’t roll over against the league leaders.
  • Lionel Messi has had another outrageously good season this term with 33 goals and 9 assists in the league, making him the league’s top scorer with team-mate Luis Suarez second on the scoring charts with 26 league goals.
  • Villarreal’s goals have been well spread out across the team but their leading scorer is Cedric Bakambu, their only player to hit double figures so far. His 10 goals have been important for their European push.

HEAD TO HEAD

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.

BARCELONA NEWS

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

VILLARREAL NEWS

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

SUMMING UP!

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.

About the author - Keith M.

Dedicated tipster with five years of experience. Devoted Arsenal fan and sports writer.

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