Barcelona vs Villarreal Prediction & Betting Tips (28 February)

Real Madrid made a mistake, it didn't take that much for Barça to regain their place as leader of La Liga following their masterful victory against Levante last weekend 3-0. In fact, the Blaugrana left their throne for a day, but quickly regained control. Before the success against Levante, Hansi Flick's men experienced a dark week with a heavy disappointment in the semi-final first leg of the Copa del Rey on the pitch of Atlético Madrid 4-0 then a defeat in the Catalan derby on the pitch of Montilivi de Girona 2-1. This season, at home, it's very simple, only PSG in the Champions League came to win against Barcelona. The record is stratospheric: 17 victories in 18 matches in all competitions. On the other hand, Villarreal has probably said goodbye to its chances of winning the title or even finishing runner-up in the elite.

However, fifth last season, the Yellow Submarine is making clear progress and is aiming for a place on the podium. Competition will be tough with Atlético Madrid. In the Champions League, the adventure quickly ended, without a victory in 8 days of the league phase. Aside from their 2-1 defeat at Getafe, Marcelino's men show character with 3 wins in the space of 4 matches. Victories acquired against Espanyol Barcelona 4-1, Levante 0-1 and last weekend for the reception of Valencia 2-1. 

Hansi Flick still cannot play A.Christensen in his squad due to a serious injury. On the other hand, the engine Pedri made his return to competition against Levante. Gavi, back in training, will not take any risks regarding his return to the field (probably out today). Note the suspension for accumulation of yellow cards for Gérard Martin. Against Levante, it was a midfield affair with goals scored by Marc Bernal, Frenkie de Jong and Fermin Lopez, author of a sumptuous gem coming off the bench. Lamine Yamal (10 goals, 9 assists in La Liga) distinguished himself with the pass. Raphinha (8 goals, 3 assists in La Liga) and Robert Lewandowski (10 goals in La Liga) are both applying for a starting place today. As has often been the case for several seasons now, Gérard Moreno has been going back and forth to the infirmary.

But when he plays, the excellent scorer is often decisive (7 goals in 12 appearances in La Liga this season). For the moment, he is on the sidelines, accompanied by the trio who have been absent for a long time: Kambwala, Logan Costa and Pau Cabanes. Starting defender Juan Foyth is also injured, as is defender R.Marin. If the Barcelona midfielders made the coffee against Levante, the Villarreal midfielders Pape Gueye and Santi Comesana served it against Valencia by being the two scorers on the yellow submarine side. The precious G.Mikautadze (8 goals, 4 assists in La Liga), Alberto Moleiro (9 goals, 4 assists in La Liga) without forgetting the winger Buchanan (5 goals in La Liga) and the Ivorian Nicolas Pépé are all at Marcelino's disposal for this shock. 

• Summary: Barcelona played against Villarreal in 1 matches this season. Currently, Barcelona rank 1st, while Villarreal hold 3rd position. Looking to compare the best-rated player on both teams? Sofascore's rating system assigns each player a specific rating based on numerous data factors.
• Barcelona Feedinco Rating: 7.07
• Villarreal Feedinco Rating: 6.87