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The match was originally set to be played in Miami, but will now take place at Villarreal's La Cerámica.
Predictions for Villarreal v Barcelona
Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams to Score (BTTS): 4/9 (bet365)
Barcelona to win: 5/6 (bet365)
Ayoze Pérez to score or assist: 8/11 (bet365)
Odds provided by bet365. Correct at the time of publication; subject to change.
Goals galore
This is always one of the most eagerly-anticipated ties of the Spanish league season, with these two teams having previously produced several memorable encounters. It's a contest between two of the three highest-scoring teams in the vision, who are both known for their immense attacking quality. Only Atlético Madrid and Barça have scored more goals on home soil than Villarreal (20) this term, while the Blaugrana are the league's highest away scorers (21).
The Yellow Submarine have defended admirably at La Cerámica (only conceding four goals - the best home defensive record in the division), but the indicators suggest both teams will find the net in a high-scoring clash. Both teams scored in each of their last four meetings, while six of Barça’s eight league away matches have witnessed three or more goals.
Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams to Score (BTTS): 4/9 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet will land if both teams score and there are three or more goals in the match.
Barça victory
Villarreal are undoubtedly a top side with a formidable home record, but their cause is currently undermined by a series of injuries and the participation of several key players in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. The Yellow Submarine have lost both of their matches this season against teams currently positioned in the top four, although these two encounters were played at opposing venues.
Barça have the superior recent head-to-head record in this fixture. Although Villarreal have won twice in Catalonia in the past two years, the Blaugrana emerged victorious in each of their six most recent visits to La Cerámica, including last season's thrilling 3-2 triumph on the penultimate weekend of the season in La Liga.
Prediction: Barcelona to win: 5/6 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet lands if Barcelona win the match.
Ayoze to shine
When he's at his scintillating best, Ayoze Pérez is one of the most dangerous forwards in La Liga. The Spanish international is currently in a rich vein of form, having claimed at least one direct goal involvement in each of his last five starts. Three of these recent impactful appearances have come on home soil, the only times he's been part of Toral's starting line-up for a match at La Cerámica this season.
Pérez also found the net in both meetings with Barça last season, which are the only two times he’s faced the Catalan giants in a Villarreal shirt.
Prediction: Ayoze Pérez to score or assist: 8/11 (bet365)
Explanation: This bet will land if Ayoze Pérez registers either a goal or an assist (or both!).
Villarreal v Barcelona odds
Odds correct at the time of publication but may change.
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Odds correct at the time of publication but may change.