Villarreal vs Barcelona prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2023-02-11 20:00.
They might have lost their last two games, but there’s no denying that manager Quique Setién has transformed Villarreal since his appointment in October, imprinting a possession-based style that sees them cling to La Liga’s (LL) last European spot ahead of the round. An enormous task now awaits with the visit of one of his old clubs, Barcelona, in a contest between two of the league’s sternest defences, although both could be tested here if recent contests are anything to go by, as the last four LL meetings at Estadio de la Ceramica have produced an exciting average of five goals per game!
Only Barcelona have conceded less league goals than Villarreal’s 17 so far, but with the Valencian side losing 3-1 to bottom-placed Elche last time out, centre-back Pau Torres has warned they ‘’must bounce back’’ here. Avoiding a third consecutive LL defeat for the first time since 2019/20 will require the Yellow Submarine to do something they haven’t done since October 2007, namely win a home match against their famous rivals (D5, L10 since)!
A reported injury to Villarreal talisman Gerard Moreno might provide table-topping Barcelona with another boost, as Xavi’s men arrive at the Estadio de la Cerámica targeting an 11th straight win in all competitions. Their latest triumph was a sweeping 3-0 victory over Sevilla, which not only stretched their lead at the league summit to eight points but saw Opta Analyst give Barça a 89.9% chance of snatching league glory.
A large part of the Blaugrana’s success is down to a ferocious backline that’s conceded just seven goals in 20 league games, a 0.35 average which is superior to any team from the ‘Big Five’ European leagues. In fact, Barcelona have conceded just four shots on target from their last three LL outings, and despite a crunch Europa League clash against Manchester United just days later, it would perhaps surprise if Xavi made changes to his well-oiled machine.
Key battle: Villarreal may hope for some heroics from veteran ‘keeper Pepe Reina if they’re to get a result – he last faced Barcelona in LL action in 2005 but has only lost one LL game against them (W3, D2, L1)! Reina may have his gloves full against Barça winger Raphinha however, as he’s been involved in more goals than any other LL player in 2023 (G4, A4).
Hot streak: Barcelona have won each of their last five LL away games against sides from the Valencian community.