Pre-Match Thread: Barcelona vs Villarreal [La Liga]

#Match Information:

 

**Match**: [](#barcelona) Barcelona vs Villarreal [](#villarreal)

**Competition**: La Liga

**Date**: Saturday, 27th of January 2024

**Time**: 18:30 CET / 12:30 EST – [Convert to local time](https://www.time.is/1706376600)

**Venue**: [Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/ff/Estadi_Ol%C3%ADmpic_Llu%C3%ADs_Companys_-_Barcelona%2C_Spain_-_Jan_2007.jpg/1920px-Estadi_Ol%C3%ADmpic_Llu%C3%ADs_Companys_-_Barcelona%2C_Spain_-_Jan_2007.jpg) – 54367 capacity

**Referee**: José Luis Munuera Montero

 

#Lineups and Squads:

 

[](#barcelona) **Barcelona** – Official squad to be confirmed

**GK**: ~~Ter Stegen~~, Iñaki Peña

**DEF**: João Cancelo, ~~Álex Baldé~~, Araújo, ~~Íñigo Martínez~~, Christensen, ~~Alonso~~, Koundé

**MID**: ~~Gavi~~, Pedri, Oriol Romeu, Sergi Roberto, Frenkie, Gündoğan

**ATT**: Ferran Torres, Lewandowski, ~~Raphinha~~, João Félix, Vitor Roque

**Unavailable**: Ter Stegen, Álex Baldé, Íñigo Martínez, Alonso, Gavi, Raphinha (injured)

**Not called**:

 

[](#villarreal) **Villarreal** – Official squad to be confirmed

**GK**: ~~Pepe Reina~~, Filip Jörgensen

**DEF**: Y. Mosquera, ~~Albiol~~, Jorge Cuenca, ~~Juan Foyth~~, Eric Bailly, Kiko Femenía, Alberto Moreno, Aïssa Mandi, ~~Pedraza~~, Adrià Altimira, Carlos Romero

**MID**: Santi Comesaña, Étienne Capoue, ~~Dani Parejo~~, Manu Trigueros, Álex Baena, Francis Coquelin, ~~Ramón Terrats~~, ~~Denis Suárez~~

**ATT**: Gerard Moreno, Gonçalo Guedes, Alexander Sørloth, Morales, ~~Yeremi Santos~~, I. Akhomach Chakkour

**Unavailable**: Albiol, Juan Foyth, Pedraza, Dani Parejo, Ramón Terrats, Denis Suárez, Yeremi Santos (injured) Pepe Reina (suspended)

**Not called**:

 

#Form guide:

 

**Barcelona**

– **Form**: **[L]** W W L W

– **Goals scored**: 12

– **Goals conceded**: 11

– **Last match**: Athletic Club 4:2 FC Barcelona – Copa Del Rey

**Villarreal**

– **Form**: **[D]** L D L W

– **Goals scored**: 6

– **Goals conceded**: 10

– **Last match**: Villarreal 1:1 Mallorca – La Liga

 

#Head-to-head:

 

– **Last meeting**: Villarreal 3:4 FC Barcelona

– **Date**: Sunday, 27th of August 2023, 17:30 CEST

– **Competition**: La Liga

– **Threads**: [Pre-match thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/161xiey/prematch_thread_villarreal_vs_barcelona_la_liga/) | [Match thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/162tehf/match_thread_villarreal_vs_barcelona_laliga/) | [Post-match thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/162whbc/postmatch_thread_villarreal_vs_barcelona_laliga/)

– **Highlights**: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3u8O2Sx8ro

 

#Comments (Post-match thread):

 

Author: **FuckingYamerooo** | Score: **392** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/162whbc/postmatch_thread_villarreal_vs_barcelona_laliga/jxze8pc/)**

> Lamine is the real deal.

> Please stay fit. Please stay fit. Please stay fit.

Author: **entrchris** | Score: **350** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/162whbc/postmatch_thread_villarreal_vs_barcelona_laliga/jxzed8i/)**

> Never play Alonso and Roberto at the same time

Author: **icestory** | Score: **289** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/162whbc/postmatch_thread_villarreal_vs_barcelona_laliga/jxzeotw/)**

> Lamine Yamal vs Villarreal

> 75 Minutes Played

> 1 Assist

> 2 Woodworks Hit

> 60 Touches

> 36 Accurate Passes

> 90% Pass Accuracy

> 1 Key Pass

> 1 Big Chance Created

> 3/3 Succesful Dribbles

> 1 Acc. Cross

> 1 Acc. Long Ball

> 6/10 Ground Duels Won

> 1 Interception

> 1 Tackle

> 1 Clearance

> https://twitter.com/Barca_Buzz/status/1695851623677919639

Author: **animeshak** | Score: **153** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/162whbc/postmatch_thread_villarreal_vs_barcelona_laliga/jxzek8k/)**

> Yeah the 4 man midfield needs to go.
> Ferran’s introduction clearly changed the game, man should be starting it’s not even a question anymore.

> And Lamine Yamal, what a gem we have!
> It’s always upwards from here.

Author: **chadbrad1738** | Score: **150** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/162whbc/postmatch_thread_villarreal_vs_barcelona_laliga/jxze5w1/)**

> Remember the kids name

Author: **jeanyes_** | Score: **129** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/162whbc/postmatch_thread_villarreal_vs_barcelona_laliga/jxzeep7/)**

> Our best player is a 16 year old 🤣

Author: **COMUNISTSWINE69** | Score: **100** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/162whbc/postmatch_thread_villarreal_vs_barcelona_laliga/jxze9xq/)**

> I could talk about a lot of things, both good and bad, but Lamine Yamal is el crack certified; singlehandedly created about six goalscoring opportunities and showed immense work rate too, what a fucking player

Author: **FuccDiss** | Score: **94** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/162whbc/postmatch_thread_villarreal_vs_barcelona_laliga/jxzea6a/)**

> Dembele who?

Author: **Iniestazo8** | Score: **91** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/162whbc/postmatch_thread_villarreal_vs_barcelona_laliga/jxze8db/)**

> Notes on today’s game

> 1) In my opinion Xavi is not starting with the best 11 for each game. He’s made the same mistake 3 games in a row and what’s saved him every time are the corrections he makes by putting in the right players later in the game. I’m pretty sure this is not a strategy that’s being done on purpose. Because if it is, its very risky and not very wise

> 2) Ferran must start next game he has to be rewarded for his efforts and amazing motivation we need to utilize the momentum he has. I dare say that he should start ahead of Lewa. Xavi has to do better at how he manages talent and not give the starting spot to Lewa by default. Ferran willl eventually lose motivation if he doesn’t get to start games. Lewas selfishness in that play in added time that could have secured the win had he passed to Ansu should be enough to see him not start next game

> 3) Despite the goal, Gavi is much more useful as a midfielder than this strange false LW position Xavi created. I know he wants to come off with some Guardiolaesque genius ideas but this one is not working

> 4) Roberto must under no circumstances play RB. Unless we are prepared to score more goals than we concede like today.

> 5) Lamine is unreal. I can’t believe he is 16. Wish he got a goal today. He deserved it as he was the best player out there. The way he ran to Lewa scored after he hit the post for the second time showed what a great personality he has. He could have gotten frustrated as he hit the post twice but all he cared about was the tram winning you could see it from his genuine. Smile. But he absolutely needs to be protected, defenders can eventually get more physical with him leading to a potential injury.

Author: **KittenOfBalnain** | Score: **87** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/162whbc/postmatch_thread_villarreal_vs_barcelona_laliga/jxzg47o/)**

> Isn’t it nice when we’re playing a team attacking the ball rather than ankles of our players?

> Contrary to many people, I quite like Ferran as the ultimate sub – he disrupts the patterns opposition got used to, plus he comes in with fresh legs against tired defense. If this is the way to unlock his scoring rather than having him play full 90, then so be it.

> Box midfield is not convincing. Gavi is not a winger, Xavi, my dude, stop wasting that kid’s potential (btw, Gavi dedicating his goal to Pedri with that celebration was super sweet, I can already hear the fangirls squealing).

> Speaking of kids: Lamine. I have no words. This boy needs to be protected and coddled and shielded from injuries because we have something special on our hands here and playing him against the worst league butchers would be a crime.

> I can’t take a full season of Sergi Roberto, once again, if we somehow bottle Cancelo signing – this cat is heading towards a full meltdown.

> And a little fun fact: according to Fotmob’s analytics, Marcos was the best player in the back line with 93% pass accuracy (54/58), 2 chances created, 2/2 successful dribbles, 5 recoveries and 1 clearance. Not sure if it says something about him or rather about the rest of the line…

Author: **peligrosobandito** | Score: **82** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/162whbc/postmatch_thread_villarreal_vs_barcelona_laliga/jxzeaaz/)**

> The lads showed a lot of resiliency today, also Lamine is the truth it’s hilarious how good he is already

Author: **__hippity_hoppity** | Score: **66** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/162whbc/postmatch_thread_villarreal_vs_barcelona_laliga/jxzef5b/)**

> Man, both Levy and Fati have zero confidence right now.

Author: **Peetr98** | Score: **64** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/162whbc/postmatch_thread_villarreal_vs_barcelona_laliga/jxze74s/)**

> Lamine is good.

Author: **nitz21** | Score: **56** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/162whbc/postmatch_thread_villarreal_vs_barcelona_laliga/jxzedf3/)**

> Lamie Yamal was the game changer every time we needed one. Great game by Gundo and Frenkie. Torres needs to start and we need to stop this four midfielder game. It’s not working.

Author: **Altruistic_Milk_6609** | Score: **52** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/162whbc/postmatch_thread_villarreal_vs_barcelona_laliga/jxzepi0/)**

> Idk if people perceive chemistry b/w players here, but Lewy and Ansu are like really toxic against each other. Both compete for the same balls/goals and position on the pitch. They never look each other in the eye and rarely celebrate together.

> Xavi should really sit them both down.

> Also, Fati is more guilty than Lewy since Lewy wasn’t like this, and Fati is way more selfish in plays irrespective of the better options available. Lewy is where he is in his career for a reason, Fati isn’t. Fati is like Lukaku at home at this point.

Author: **shugazi93** | Score: **51** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/162whbc/postmatch_thread_villarreal_vs_barcelona_laliga/jxzeal4/)**

> Lamine Yamal BOTM (Boy of the Match)

Author: **iwillsoccerballs** | Score: **49** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/162whbc/postmatch_thread_villarreal_vs_barcelona_laliga/jxzeanw/)**

> Lewy and Ansu: clown to clown communication

Author: **Zoli10_Offical** | Score: **45** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/162whbc/postmatch_thread_villarreal_vs_barcelona_laliga/jxzect9/)**

> Guys, we need to call every witch we know to put a protection spell on Lamine

> Also, I fuckin love Ferran

Author: **FloReaver** | Score: **44** pts | **[Source](https://reddit.com/r/Barca/comments/162whbc/postmatch_thread_villarreal_vs_barcelona_laliga/jxzf3c8/)**

> Many many lessons from tonight:

> + I scream the next time someone makes an appreciation thread for a player after 2 games vs Getafe and Cadiz

> + We got outplayed HARD for some stretches of the game and it’s not even top UCL opposition

> + Ferran is a must starter or meritocracy has no meaning

> + Yamal will be a starter before the end of the season

> + Some people wanted to sell FdJ, we learned the answer to that is “lol”

> + Lewy’s form is extremely worrying. Edit: same for Fati finishing wise.

> But above all, as soon as we started to play a normal 4-3-3 they suffered. Gavi is wasted on the left in this 3-2-2-3 hybrid, and he still manages to contribute, says it all how good he is.

> In midfield he is great.

> Now Mr Xavi, the experiment was funny for a while, but now we’ve seen what having the ability to stretch the opponent and creating superiority on the wings can do. Ferran was excellent on the right for the few minutes he got.

 

#Quotes:

 

🚨 Xavi Hernández: "Villarreal are not doing very well, but Marcelino's teams are always prepared."

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) January 26, 2024

 

#Latest News:

 

[[Article] – Xavi: ‘We need our fans’](https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/3868157/xavi-we-need-our-fans) – **fcbarcelona.com**

[[Article] – FC Barcelona back at Montjuïc… 38 days later](https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/3865740/fc-barcelona-back-at-montjuic-38-days-later) – **fcbarcelona.com**

[[Training] – Final session before return to action at the Estadi Olímpic](https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/3868092/final-session-before-return-to-action-at-the-estadi-olimpic) – **fcbarcelona.com**

[[Training] – Recovery session at the Ciutat Esportiva](https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/3867331/recovery-session-at-the-ciutat-esportiva) – **fcbarcelona.com**

[[Article] – When and where to watch FC Barcelona v Villarreal](https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/3866291/when-and-where-to-watch-fc-barcelona-v-villarreal) – **fcbarcelona.com**

 

#TV/Online:

 

**[Livesoccertv](https://www.livesoccertv.com/match/4678487/barcelona-vs-villarreal/)** | **[Liveonsat](https://liveonsat.com/europe-spain-laliga.php)** | **[FCBarcelona.com](https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/3866291/when-and-where-to-watch-fc-barcelona-v-villarreal)**

 

by decho