Frank Christian
Looking to recover from a midweek loss and maintain their strong league performance, Barcelona is set to face Villarreal in La Liga on Sunday.
Barcelona faced their first defeat of the season against Monaco during their initial UEFA Champions League match of 2024/25 on Wednesday. This loss came after winning all previous five league games, which has placed them at the top of the La Liga standings with a perfect 15 points.
The injury situation remains challenging for new coach Hansi Flick, who must manage a range of fitness issues and player suspensions in the coming matches.
Villarreal has also had a strong start to the season, currently sitting in fourth place with 11 points and no losses in five games. Their victories have been narrow, with each win secured by just one goal, along with two draws.
Predicted Lineups for Villarreal vs. Barcelona
Villarreal is hopeful about havingAlfonso Pedraza return from an extended injury, as he is back in training. However, he must compete for his left-back role with new signingSergi Cardona.
Key players unavailable due to injuries includeGerard Moreno (hamstring strain), Juan Foyth (knee injury), andWilly Kambwala, a former Manchester United defender.
Villarreal’s likely starting XI (4-3-3):Conde (GK) — Kiko, Albiol, Costa, Cardona — Akhomach, Comesana, Parejo, Baena — A. Perez, Barry
Injuries: Moreno, Foyth, Kambwala, Pedraza (doubt)
Suspensions: None
Following an injury toDani Olmo, Hansi Flick repositionedPedri into a more offensive spot while movingEric Garcia into a defensive midfield role. Unfortunately, this plan did not work, as Garcia received a red card early in the Champions League match, making his league game status uncertain.
Gavi is nearing a return from an ACL injury but will need gradual integration once fit. Ferran Torres is suspended due to a red card, while several players includingRonald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, Andreas Christensen, and Fermin Lopez are dealing with injuries.
Barcelona’s expected starting XI (4-4-2): Ter Stegen (GK) — Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde — Pedri, Casado — Lamine Yamal, Fati, Raphinha — Lewandowski
Injuries: Araujo, De Jong, Christensen, Fermin Lopez, Gavi (doubt)
Suspensions: Ferran Torres
How to Watch Villarreal vs. Barcelona
Here’s how to view the La Liga match in major regions around the world:
| Region | TV | Streaming |
| USA | ESPN Deportes | Fubo, ESPN+, WatchESPN |
| Canada | TSN1 | TSN+ |
| UK | — | Premier Player, LaLigaTV |
| Australia | beIN Sports 1 | beIN Sports Connect |
| India | — | GXR World |
