Barcelona vs Villarreal Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | La Liga

Barcelona Vs Villareal Preview

• Tournament: La Liga
• Date: Sunday, 18 May 2025
• Kick-off Time: 5:00 pm GMT
• Venue: Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Barcelona, Spain

Matchday 37 of the 2024/25 La Liga season will see the leaders and the champions-elect, FC Barcelona, welcoming Villarreal at the Montjuic on Sunday evening. The Catalans enjoy a seven-point lead at the top of the table and are preparing to lift the club's 28th La Liga title. Villarreal, on the other hand, has also enjoyed a fine season and is in line to compete in the UEFA Champions League next season. The Barcelona vs Villarreal fixture is renowned for producing high-scoring encounters, and this time should be no different.

FC Barcelona will be content with how recent matches have played out. In the last six games, the Catalan giants have managed four victories, one draw, and one defeat. Barca has done a tremendous job of recovering after a poor 2023/24 campaign. Much of the credit has to go to Hansi Flick, who has successfully transmitted his ideas to his players. The club will end the season with a domestic treble, having won each of the Spanish Super Cup, Copa del Rey, and the La Liga title. Barcelona has scored 2.7 goals per game in the league, which is the highest this year.

Inconsistencies and mixed results have marked the latest games of Villarreal. The club has accumulated four victories, one draw, and one defeat in the last six outings. During this period, Villarreal has scored 11 goals and conceded seven. Even after losing some key players in the summer transfer window, Villarreal has done a commendable job of being in a UCL spot. The Yellow Submarine has scored 64 goals and conceded 47 in La Liga 2024/25. Alex Baena has delivered the most assists (nine).

Barcelona Team News

Hansi Flick will be tempted to hand out minutes to youngsters in the final games of the season. Daniel Rodriguez, Jules Kounde, Marc Bernal, and Pablo Torre will not be available due to respective injury woes. However, Barcelona have already won the title and have no reason to risk their best players.

Villarreal Team News

Ilias Akhomach (Cruciate Ligament Injury), Kiko (Physical Discomfort), Raul Albiol (Muscle Injury), and Thierno Barry (Hamstring Injury) will not travel with the rest of the squad to Barcelona, leaving Marcelino Garcia with plenty of headaches. Villareal needs to end the season strongly to maintain their grasp on a UCL spot, and may be tempted to feature the best team possible.

Barcelona Vs Villarreal Predicted Lineups

Barcelona Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Szczesny

Defenders: Garcia, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde

Midfielders: de Jong, Pedri, Fermin

Forwards: Yamal, Raphinha, Lewandowski

Villarreal Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Junior

Defenders: Navarro, Foyth, Costa, Pedraza

Midfielders: Gueye, Parejo, Baena

Forwards: Pepe, Pino, Perez

Barcelona vs Villarreal Head-to-Head Record

In the last five games between the two sides, Barcelona has won four matches and Villarreal has won a single encounter.

Key Players to Watch in Barcelona vs Villarreal

Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona)

Robert Lewandowski will return to Barcelona's starting lineup following a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to an injury. The spell has resulted in the Polish international losing the top-scorer place in the league to Kylian Mbappe for the time being. Lewandowski is now three goals behind the Frenchman and will be determined to catch up in the remaining league matches. Lewandowski has 1.9 xG in his last five appearances.

Nicolas Pepe (Villarreal)

Nicolas Pepe has been a successful acquisition for Villarreal. Once regarded as one of the most talented wingers in Europe, Pepe fell off the rails very quickly. However, La Liga has proven to be a lucky break for the Ivorian international, with three goals and five assists. Nicolás Pepe had a good display against Barcelona the last time these two sides met and will once again relish the matchup due to the Catalans' highline.

Barcelona vs Villarreal Prediction

Barcelona will undoubtedly begin the fixture as the overwhelming favourites, given the team's splendid goalscoring record. Villarreal will be up against it at the home of the league leaders.

Predicted Score: Barcelona 3-1 Villarreal

Where to watch Barcelona vs Villarreal Live?