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After recently regaining top spot in the La Liga table, Barça will have to be at their very best to overcome Villarreal on Saturday afternoon. The Groguets have won three of their last three away fixtures against Barcelona, although only one of these triumphs was registered at the Camp Nou. Marcelino's men will also be keen to put further distance between themselves and fifth-placed Real Betis as the race for Champions League qualification begins to heat up.
Barcelona v Villarreal: Predictions
Both Teams to score – Yes: 8/15 (bet365)
Barcelona to score in both halves: 4/6 (bet365)
Over eight corners: 2/5 (bet365)
Both teams to score
Barça are the current La Liga top scorers by some distance, having registered a staggering 67 goals so far. More than half of these goals have come on home turf, so expect the hosts to attack from the get-go this weekend. Meanwhile, Villarreal averaged 1.5 goals per game across their opening 12 away fixtures, contributing to them becoming the third-highest scorers in the Spanish top flight (47 goals).
Whilst the Catalans have defended well at home (conceding just five goals in 12 outings), it seems likely that Villarreal will find the net at a venue which has often been a happy hunting ground. It's also worth mentioning that the Yellow Submarine have netted in 10 of those aforementioned 12 visits to opposing stadiums, including when they travelled to the Bernabéu in early October.
Furthermore, four of the last five meetings between these two sides have resulted in both teams scoring.
Prediction: Both Teams to Score – Yes: 8/15 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet will land if both teams score, regardless of the final result.
Barça to score in both halves
Barcelona scored in both halves when these two teams clashed at La Cerámica just before Christmas, propelling Hansi Flick's men to an impressive 2-0 win. They've also scored before and after the interval in 10 of their 12 home league matches this season.
Villarreal have lost two of their last four away outings, conceding in both halves on each of these occasions. Therefore, if the Catalans can find their attacking rhythm early on, it seems inevitable that the visitors' goal will be under siege throughout.
Prediction: Barcelona to score in both halves: 4/6 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet will land if Barcelona score at least one goal in each half
Over eight corners
Barça have already been awarded 193 corners this term, which is more than any other club in La Liga. The Blaugrana have typically averaged around eight corners, so expect this number to be exceeded as the title-chasers look to take the game to their opponents.
With the exception of last September's victory over Getafe, all of Barcelona's home encounters have produced at least nine corners. Furthermore, Barça's last three league outings at the Camp Nou have witnessed at least 10 corners, while the same could be said of this season's reverse fixture between these two sides in Castellón. In fact, the last four meetings involving Saturday's opponents have all generated more than eight corners.
Prediction: Over eight Corners: 2/5 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet will land if nine or more corners are taken during the match.
Barcelona v Villarreal: Match Result odds
Odds valid at the time of publication and subject to change.
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Odds valid at the time of publication and subject to change.