Goals on the cards as Barca face former boss
Villarreal host Barcelona on Sunday evening in looking to spring a surprise on the league leaders in La Liga.
Xavi’s men have extended their cushion at the summit to eight points over Real Madrid, a great position to be in especially after the pressure they put themselves under having been knocked out of the Champions League at the group stage.
Barca got us a winner at Real Betis last midweek, but they are taking on a much stronger side in Villarreal this weekend.
Quique Setien has been a very interesting Unai Emery replacement at Villarreal, and back-to-back defeats at home to Rayo Vallecano and away to Elche would suggest that there are some teething problems.
Giovani Lo Celso and Nicolas Jackson are doubtful for the hosts while Alfonso Pedraza is ruled out.
Barca will be without Ousmane Dembele and Sergio Busquets at Estadio de la Ceramica.
Process
Barca have unsustainably overperformed to have conceded just seven goals from 20 league outings so far, a tremendous record that Marc-Andre ter Stegen deserves a lot of credit for, but probably not one that will look as spectacular at the end of the season.
Villarreal are underperforming in the final third, and it will be interesting to see if they are a little more aggressive with Setien taking on his former side.
The Yellow Submarine have scored just 22 goals from 20 league outings, relying on defensive overperformance and considering their underlying numbers, it would be a surprise to see them fall away from the top four picture in the coming weeks and months.
It has not been an entirely convincing season for Villarreal considering how well they have done in the last two seasons, and a drop-off in the quality of the top four chasing pack this season points to why the hosts are still in contention.
Goals?
Overs for me considering the way that Barca are playing, this one could be very comfortable, their outright price is also quite appealing.
Villarreal have scored in nine of ten.
Villarreal have conceded in eight of ten.
Villarreal have seen both teams score in seven of ten.
Villarreal have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
Barca have scored in all of their last 15.
Barca have conceded in four of ten.
Barca have seen both teams score in four of ten.
Barca have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
1-0 Barca, wrong selection here.