Barcelona vs Villarreal Prediction & Betting Tips - LaLiga

Prediction published on 22/09/2019, 06:09  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 22/09/2019 at 10:48 in LaLiga Predictions

A 2-0 loss to newly promoted Granada was not what anyone expected, but yes, that was the result Barcelona achieved on Saturday. From their opening six matches of the season, it is well written out there, that this is going to be one long, hard season for the Spanish giants. They are 8th at the time of writing this preview with seven points from six games. Barcelona had the lion’s share of possession against Granada but on only a few occasions did they play on the front foot. For a little while in the game, they posed a threat, when Lionel Messi and Ansu Fati were introduced after starting on the bench. It will be tougher for them facing an inspired Villarreal side coming from back to back wins, having scored five goals in the process and conceded none. Barcelona have no clean sheet in La Liga this season and they have conceded twice in three games already and to have shipped in nine goals in five league games just about points to how low Barcelona have sunk; they actually have the joint most porous defence in La Liga this season. They have already lost to two sides above them on the league table – Granada and Athletic Club, and playing another side ahead of them, Villarreal, will call for a much better organization.

On their part, Villarreal seem to be getting their act right after a rather shaky start to the season. They opened their campaign with a 4 – 4 draw with Granada, a game they should have won but capitulated late on after taking a 4 – 2 lead before letting go of the lead again to fall to Levante. That happened again in their third game when drawing with Real Madrid but they have tightened up in the last two games, scoring without conceding. Santi Carzola has been key to their season so far and has been involved in four of their 12 goals. A big game player, he will definitely have the weight on his shoulders here. Villarreal have conceded one goal lesser than Barcelona this season and in the game we will get to see two sides that have scored the most goals so far; 12. They are fourth in the table after Saturday's fixtures but only a point ahead of their opponents.

In La Liga, Barcelona have not lost any of their last 14 at home, only drawing one in the process. They are unbeaten in 22 matches against Villarreal and have scored two or more goals against Villarreal in the last five meetings. The last time these sides met, the match ended with eight goals, courtesy of a 4 – 4 draw. Villarreal have four wins in 18 La Liga matches away from home but two of these wins came in the last five. They have scored at least a goal in each of their last nine away La Liga matches and managed just four clean sheets.