Barca Blaugranes - La Liga: FC Barcelona vs Villarreal CF: Full Match Coverage#GraciesTitohttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47187/barca-fave.png2013-12-14T22:00:59+01:00http://www.barcablaugranes.com/rss/stream/49737672013-12-14T22:00:59+01:002013-12-14T22:00:59+01:00La Liga: Barcelona 2-1 Villarreal: Match Review
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<figcaption>David Ramos</figcaption>
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<p>A review of Barcelona's important 2-1 La Liga win over Villarreal CF on Saturday night, as a brace from Neymar secured the victory for the Blaugrana</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">FC <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Barcelona</a> were made to work for their three points, but ultimately secured a valuable win on Saturday evening at the Camp Nou, seeing off the threat of high-flying <a href="https://www.villarrealusa.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Villarreal</a> in a narrow 2-1 victory. In the continued absence of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi" class="sbn-auto-link">Lionel Messi</a>, Neymar once again stepped forward as the hero of the night, grabbing both goals – one either side of the half to cancel out <span>Mateo Musacchio</span>’s equaliser and send the Blaugrana three points clear at the top of the table.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Barcelona</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Villarreal</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Possession</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>76%</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>24%</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Total Shots</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>13</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>3</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Shots on Target</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>7</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>1</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Pass Accuracy</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>89%</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>67%</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Fouls</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>7</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>12</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Offsides</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>4</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>0</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Yellow Cards</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>1</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>1</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>Red Cards</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>0</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt;"><b>0</b></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Much to the chagrin of some Culés, <span>Gerardo Martino</span> opted to start Cesc Fàbregas at false nine – although rather bizarrely, there was actually room for the former Arsenal captain in midfield as <span>Alex Song</span> started alongside <span>Sergio Busquets</span> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110863/andres-iniesta" class="sbn-auto-link">Andrés Iniesta</a>. This surprise move meant that Neymar was once again forced back out to the left-wing after his impressive hat-trick in midweek, while Pedro dropped out of the starting line-up altogether. Would this unorthodox XI get the job done against Marcelino’s high-flying Villarreal?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Barcelona started the match strongly, immediately monopolising possession for virtually the entirety of the opening two minutes, only relinquishing the ball deep into Villarreal’s defensive third, as <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110173/alexis-sanchez" class="sbn-auto-link">Alexis Sánchez</a> ran into a cul-de-sac of yellow shirts. The Blaugrana soon regained possession, and settled into their usual stride, slowly building up pressure as they searched for an opening in a disciplined Villarreal defense.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Sensing that the middle of the field would be somewhat congested given the two teams’ respective line-ups, Barça opted to add some early width to their offense, sending the ball out to the touchline where Neymar and <span>Jordi Alba</span> combined to win an early corner kick for the hosts. Usually, corner kicks are something of a nuisance for the Blaugrana, but up against a team with a similar footballing philosophy, Barcelona went for a more direct approach – and very nearly benefitted.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Neymar delivered the corner – which in truth was nothing special. If anything, Neymar’s cross was slightly over-hit and evaded the leap of Gerard Piqué, who may have got the faintest of touches to help the ball onto Alex Song of all people, who rattled the frame of the goal with a powerful volley. It was a good effort from the Cameroonian midfielder, but ultimately not enough to hand Barcelona an early lead.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Barcelona were encouraged by that chance though, and their second shot of the evening also came from a corner as Neymar found the jump of <span>Marc Bartra</span>, who just couldn’t keep his headed effort down. Maybe this much should have been obvious – Barcelona aren’t a "route one" kind of side after all – but Barça needed a little more finesse to break this defense down.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Villarreal on the other hand were far less concerned with the style of their play; why would they be? Barcelona are damn-near unbeatable at the Camp Nou, and a goal is a goal, no matter how it is scored. The visitors may have been devoid of depth in their strike-force but in Giovani dos Santos they have a player capable of deciding any game – and the Mexican forward got a chance to stretch his legs on the quarter-hour mark, racing down the left flank to send a cut-back into the Barça area. Unfortunately, the visitors couldn’t capitalise on that half-chance, even if they could take away a few positives regarding the build-up.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">The hosts may have been dominating the possession stakes, but it was a familiar story in the final third as the Blaugrana again lacked penetration. Credit to Marcelino for his tactics and to Mateo Musacchio in particular for standing strong at the back, but irrespective of their accomplishments, Barça should have really created something, anything from open play with players of that calibre in attack.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Then, fortuitously, and harshly, the referee created a chance for us; pointing to the spot as Jordi Alba’s cross was seemingly blocked by the arm of Mario. It appeared to be a "ball-to-hand" to me, but Neymar stepped up regardless, sending <span>Sergio Asenjo</span> the wrong way with a coolly-taken penalty. With half-an-hour on the clock, Barcelona had been gifted a lead.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Prior to the penalty decision, Marcelino would have surely been the happier of the two coaches – but now his entire gameplan was out the window. If he wanted to claim a share of the spoils from this game, he couldn’t afford to instruct his players to sit back, absorb pressure and hope for a lucky break. Villarreal needed to take the initiative and press on themselves. And as such, they would lose a touch of that defensive discipline.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In short, Villarreal would have to play with fire to get something from this match. And what happens when you play with fire? Of course, you run the risk of getting burned.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">In this case, Alexis Sánchez was the one who very nearly did the damage, somehow stretching to control Andrés Iniesta’s wayward shot before testing Asenjo with an effort of his own. It was a forceful, low strike directed towards the bottom corner, but Asenjo got down well to palm the shot away to safety. For now, Villarreal would survive; would the second-half be a similar story?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Well, for starters, Barcelona didn’t monopolise possession from the outset – and that it turns out would be their downfall. Villarreal seized the early momentum, earning themselves a corner – which was expertly delivered by <span>Manu Trigueros</span>, driven into the area to find Mateo Musacchio. The Villarreal captain had expertly shrugged off the challenge of Marc Bartra to free himself up for the corner and didn’t disappoint with his header, powerfully directing the ball past the helpless Jose Manuel Pinto to tie the two teams at 1-1.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">All of a sudden, the hosts were on the ropes and the visitors were the ones on the front-foot, pressing for a quick-fire second – and very nearly got one through Giovani dos Santos, who burst inside from the right-flank to let fly with a left-footed shot that whistled inches wide of Pinto’s near-post. The veteran keeper appeared to have it covered anyway, but it was a great attempt from the former Barça starlet.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Barcelona were facing a difficult test, and Gerardo Martino responded by bringing midfield veteran Xavi Hernández off the bench for Alex Song. It was a simple change, and one that immediately improved this Barcelona side. Alexis Sánchez for example had a more prominent role with Xavi on the field; whether that was mere coincidence remains to be seen, but it certainly made all the difference. First he threaded a pass through to Cesc Fàbregas, only to see the Catalan’s shot saved by Asenjo, but not to be disheartened, Alexis kept his composure to provide an all-important assist.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Cesc Fàbregas should take the bulk of the credit for his delightful pass over the top of the Villarreal defense, but let’s take nothing away from Alexis for his selfless play, as he cushioned that pass into the path of Neymar who duly tapped the ball into the empty net. It was Neymar’s 10<sup>th</sup> goal for the club – and arguably one of his most important yet.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Now that they were ahead for the second time this evening, Barcelona and Martino were not prepared to give up the lead again, opting to try and find a third to secure the three points. Andrés Iniesta came close to grabbing that goal in the 82<sup>nd</sup> minute, forcing a fine low save from Asenjo with a well-placed effort from just outside the area. In fact, if not for the heroics of Sergio Asenjo, Villarreal would have surely been dead and buried long before the end.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Not that it ultimately mattered – Barcelona didn’t relinquish the lead and secured an important three points in the process. With Atletico Madrid still to play, Barcelona were temporarily three points clear at the top of La Liga. Next up, the Blaugrana wrap up the Copa del Rey Round of 32 with a home fixture against FC Cartagena. Until then, Visca el Barça!</p>
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https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/12/14/5210918/la-liga-fc-barcelona-2-1-villarreal-cf-match-reviewArron Duckling2013-12-14T19:26:40+01:002013-12-14T19:26:40+01:00FC Barcelona vs Villarreal CF: Live Game Thread
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<figcaption>Stanley Chou</figcaption>
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<p>Live game thread for the La Liga game between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF</p> <p align="center">La Liga: Jornada 16<br>Kickoff: Saturday, 14 December 2013; 20:00 CET<br>Camp Nou, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a><br>Referee: Ignacio Iglesias Villanueva</p>
<p>Line-up:</p>
<p align="justify">FC Barcelona (4-3-3): Jose Manuel Pinto; <span>Martin Montoya</span>, <span>Marc Bartra</span>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110855/gerard-pique">Gerard Pique</a>, <span>Jordi Alba</span>; <span>Sergio Busquets</span>, <span>Alex Song</span>, Andres Iniesta; Alexis Sanchez, <span>Cesc Fabregas</span>, Neymar</p>
<p align="justify">Substitutes: Oier Olazabal, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110856/carles-puyol">Carles Puyol</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110053/javier-mascherano">Javier Mascherano</a><span></span>, Xavi, <span>Sergi Roberto</span>, Pedro Rodriguez, <span>Cristian Tello</span></p>
<p align="justify"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.villarrealusa.com/">Villarreal</a> CF (4-2-3-1): <span>Sergio Asenjo</span>; <span>Mario Gaspar</span>, <span>Mateo Musacchio</span>, José Dorado, <span>Jaume Costa</span>; <span>Tomás Pina</span>, <span>Manu Trigueros</span>; <span>Javier Aquino</span>, <span>Edu Ramos</span>, <span>Hernán Pérez</span>; Giovani Dos Santos</p>
<p align="justify">Substitutes: <span>Juan Carlos</span>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110769/bojan-jokic">Bojan Jokić</a>, <span>Gabriel Paulista</span>, <span>Moi Gómez</span>, <span>Jérémy Perbet</span>, <span>Ikechukwu Uche</span>, Jonathan Pereira</p>
https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/12/14/5209900/la-liga-fc-barcelona-vs-villarreal-cf-live-game-threadBostjan Cernensek2013-12-14T15:30:01+01:002013-12-14T15:30:01+01:00Q&A With Villarreal USA
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<figcaption>Manuel Queimadelos Alonso</figcaption>
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<p align="justify">Like so many times before, Barca Blaugranes and Villarreal USA come together to bring you, our readers, some insight from the opposing side. With time in short supply the collaboration is a bit shorter than it was in the past, but it nonetheless provides us with several good pieces of information.</p>
<p align="justify">For more coverage of the always entertaining FC Barcelona vs Villarreal CF match-up be sure to stay here with us at Barca Blaugranes or visit the good folks at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.villarrealusa.com/">Villarreal USA</a> for their views of the game.</p>
<p align="justify"><b>Barca Blaugranes:</b> <b>Who deserves the most credit for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.villarrealusa.com/">Villarreal's</a> great start to the season?</b></p>
<p align="justify"><b>Allen Dodson</b>: For me, Marcelino. The great start to the season was really based on the great finish to last season. The squad has changed some, of course, but the positivity Marcelino has brought to the table has really helped banish thoughts of our last season in the Primera.</p>
<p align="justify"><b>BB: The signing of Giovani dos Santos has proved to be a shrewd piece of business. Have you been surprised by how much he brought to the team?</b></p>
<p align="justify"><b>AD: </b>Yes, I think we knew he would be a good fit but I wasn't expecting the consistently high level. He is scoring goals and setting them up as well--plus his speed really opens things up for Cani and Bruno to do their thing in midfield (not this game, unfortunately).</p>
<p align="justify"><b>BB: Who do you expect will start in the starting line-up for Villarreal?</b></p>
<p align="justify"><b>AD:</b> With Cani and Bruno out, I think we probably start Trigueros and Tomas Pina in the double pivote, with Aquino and <span>Hernán Pérez</span> on the wings, Gio and Uche up front. Back four should be Mario, Musacchio, Gabriel, and <span>Jaume Costa</span>.</p>
<p align="justify"><b>BB: Prediction for the game?</b></p>
<p align="justify"><b>AD:</b> We have usually played you guys pretty well, even at the Camp Nou, and if we had Cani and Bruno in the side I'd feel confident of getting a point. However, without them, I think we'll still battle hard. Could be 1-1, but 2-1 to you guys more likely. I'm certainly expecting a better performance than the last time we appeared in the Camp Nou (5-0 in the delayed start to the 2011-12 season)</p>
<p align="justify"><b>BB: With the winter transfer window coming up do you expect to make any moves?</b></p>
<p align="justify"><b>AD:</b> I think we're pretty happy with the core of the team, and we don't have players coming out of contract in the summer that we need to move. Sr. Roig doesn't like to take on loanees unless there's a purchase option, and has said we are not going to make the same sort of mistakes we did in 2011, when we blew a big hole in our budget and overspent on players who didn't really help us much.</p>
<p align="justify">If we have had a disappointment so far this season, it's been Jeremy Perbet, who has struggled to get playing time. He's scored two goals, but hasn't looked that comfortable and I'm not sure fits as well into our attacking plan now as he did last year. There are rumors we are interested in Icelandic international Alfred Finnbogason, now at Heerenveen, but he is probably attracting interest from England as well, and we are not going to pay EPL salaries.</p>
<p align="justify">We have some players in the cantera who can help us in 2-3 years, I think, and our squad is deeper than it has been in a while. That's not to say we'll sit January out, and if we can bring in someone--especially on loan with a purchase option--who might ensure we qualify for the CL (at least the CL playoff) then I think we would go for it. But I don't expect a lot of deals.</p>
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https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/12/14/5209728/la-liga-fc-barcelona-vs-villarreal-cf-q-a-with-villarreal-usaBostjan Cernensek2013-12-14T10:47:28+01:002013-12-14T10:47:28+01:00Predict the Score: Barcelona vs Villarreal
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<figcaption>David Ramos</figcaption>
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<p>A chance to predict the score of tonight's La Liga clash between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF at the Camp Nou</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">14 minutes. 14 minutes was all Neymar needed on Wednesday night to transform himself from a somewhat misfiring marquee signing, to a bona-fide <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/">Barcelona</a> superstar. Putting Celtic to the sword with a stunning hat-trick, the Brazilian forward relished his opportunity to start as the focal point of the Barcelona attack, a role he is expected to fill again tonight against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.villarrealusa.com/">Villarreal</a>. Despite their status as a newly-promoted club fresh from a brief spell in the Segunda Division, Villarreal will almost certainly pose a much tougher test that Neil Lennon's outfit; can Neymar continue his dazzling form irrespective of that?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It's a tall order -- in recent memory, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi">Lionel Messi</a> is the only Barcelona player to score hat-tricks in back-to-back games (bonus points to you if you can name the last player, other than Messi, to accomplish that feat for the Blaugrana) but of course we don't have to ask the world of young Neymar. Unless the defense plans to capitulate up against the likes of Giovani dos Santos and <span>Ikechukwu Uche</span>, Neymar won't be required to score three goals -- instead, one goal may suffice, particularly given his penchant for creating chances.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With Alexis Sanchez somewhat struggling for consistency (again), the spotlight is very much on Neymar -- but he will have support in the form of a resurgent Pedro, who has now scored at least goal in four of his last five starts for the club, and <span>Cesc Fabregas</span>, who is tipped to not only return to the starting line-up after serving a one-game suspension in midweek, but return to his favoured role in central midfield, where Whoscored calculate that Cesc has scored five goals and provided a further eight assists in just nine appearances this season.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Certainly, the Blaugrana's attacking prowess is clear for all to see -- and Villarreal will be without their two best players, Cani and Bruno. It's difficult to see past a Barca win, but what will be the final score? Predict the score of tonight's match by commenting with your prediction below. Best of luck!</p>
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https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/12/14/5209734/la-liga-fc-barcelona-vs-villarreal-cf-predict-the-scoreArron Duckling2013-12-13T20:55:45+01:002013-12-13T20:55:45+01:00La Liga: Barcelona vs Villarreal: Match Preview
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<figcaption>Denis Doyle</figcaption>
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<p>A preview of Barcelona's La Liga clash with Villarreal CF at the Camp Nou, as the Blaugrana look to retain control at the top of the table</p> <p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">FC <a href="https://www.barcablaugranes.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Barcelona</a> face one of their toughest tests of the season so far tomorrow when they host newly-promoted <a href="https://www.villarrealusa.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Villarreal</a> CF at the Camp Nou in their final home fixture of the calendar year. Following an impressive 6-1 win over Celtic in midweek, the Blaugrana are on cloud nine and will be hoping to pick up where they left off to retain their place at the top of La Liga. Last week’s slip-up against <a href="https://athletic.theoffside.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Athletic Bilbao</a> has not been forgotten, but will be forgiven – especially if Barça can mastermind a victory against the Yellow Submarine.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">After a shocking 2011/12 campaign saw the former UEFA Champions League semi-finalists drop to the Segunda, Villarreal have not only returned to the top tier at the first time of asking, but they have seized the initiative to move back into contention for a UEFA Champions League qualification berth. Spearheaded by impressive displays from fan favourite <span>Bruno Soriano</span> and former Barça starlet Giovani dos Santos, Villarreal enter tomorrow’s match in fifth place – just one point removed from Athletic Bilbao in fourth.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Up until last weekend, Marcelino’s side occupied that spot, but a surprise home draw, coupled with Athletic’s shock win over the Blaugrana saw them slip out of the UEFA Champions League qualification places for the first time this season. Will they be able to recover and inflict more pressure on <span>Gerardo Martino</span> and Barcelona, or will the likes of Neymar and the returning Cesc Fàbregas inspire Barça to an incredible 23<sup>rd</sup> successive home La Liga win?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>TEAM NEWS</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>BARCELONA</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Suspended for Wednesday’s memorable win over Celtic FC, it is expected that Cesc Fàbregas will return to the Barcelona line-up tomorrow; albeit in a more familiar, central midfield position. Certainly it would be surprising to see Gerardo Martino move Neymar away from the centre of attack after his sensational display against the Scottish champions, although it raises the question of who to drop from the midfield – both <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110863/andres-iniesta" class="sbn-auto-link">Andrés Iniesta</a> and Xavi were also in remarkable form on Wednesday. It’s a tough decision, but an enviable position for Martino to be in.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Likewise, <span>Jordi Alba</span> should make his La Liga return, as Martino’s hand has been somewhat forced thanks to a suspension to <span>Adriano Correia</span> would could have operated on either the left or right-hand side of defense at the expense of young Martin Montoya. The Catalan full-back set up one of Neymar’s three goals in midweek, and as such, it would be have been a disappointment to see him drop to the bench anyway – thankfully that’s not going to be an issue.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Gerard Piqué grabbed his second UEFA Champions League goal of the season in midweek, reminding Culés not only of his defensive ability, but also of the additional dimension that he can provide the Barcelona attack, thereby reaffirming his importance in the starting eleven. The only question remaining for Martino to answer is just who his partner should be.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Many Barça fans are keen to see <span>Marc Bartra</span> make the step-up from the bench to first-team regular, and I can absolutely see the thinking behind this. Bartra is exceptionally talented and he represents the future of the Barcelona defense – but equally, I can see why Martino may opt to keep his faith in Javier Mascherano. After all, this is the same Mascherano that was earning plaudits for his defensive work not too long ago. Furthermore, Mascherano is simply too good to sit on the bench – and I’m sure everyone would agree that he is also too valuable to risk losing.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Aside from his obvious quality, there is also the link and bond he likely shares with his compatriot, a diminutive Argentine by the name of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110061/lionel-messi" class="sbn-auto-link">Lionel Messi</a> – an affinity that Martino himself clearly recognises, hence the delicate management of the defensive situation.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">That being said, I would love to see Bartra given a chance tomorrow, with <span>Sergio Busquets</span> continuing just ahead of the defense at pivote. I remain convinced that Busi is far and away the best midfielder in world football, a fact he emphatically hammered home on Wednesday with a superlative display. If he is on form, Villarreal simply will not stand a chance – which is particularly true given that Bruno will not suit up in his <i>Amarillo </i>jersey.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Cesc Fàbregas and Xavi would get the nod from me ahead of Busi, with a resurgent Pedro, Neymar and <span>Cristian Tello</span> my choices for the Blaugrana attacking triumvirate. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110173/alexis-sanchez" class="sbn-auto-link">Alexis Sánchez</a> will almost certainly get the start ahead of Tello – but what better time to test out Tello than tomorrow, when he can wreak havoc from his preferred left-wing position?</p>
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<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>VILLARREAL</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">For more coverage of tomorrow’s match, be sure to give our sister site Villarreal USA a visit, with their team providing expert insight about every aspect of the plucky side from Vila-real.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>FORM GUIDE</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Barcelona: WWWLLW</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Villarreal: LWDWDD</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>LAST MEETING</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Villarreal CF 0-0 FC Barcelona – 28<sup>th</sup> January 2012 – La Liga</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Despite dropping out of La Liga at the end of the season, Villarreal held Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona to a goalless draw at El Madrigal, who couldn’t break through the host’s resolute defense with Pep’s unorthodox team selection.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>LIKELY LINE-UPS</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Barcelona (4-3-3): Pinto; Montoya, Piqué, Bartra, Alba; Busquets, Xavi, Fàbregas; Pedro, Neymar, Alexis</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Villarreal (4-2-3-1): Asenjo; Mario, Musacchio, Gabriel, Costa; Pina, Trigueros; Perez, Giovani, Aquino; Uche</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal"><b>MATCH PREDICTION</b></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;" class="MsoNormal">Barcelona were in scintillating form in midweek – and barring a surprise change of tactics from Martino, I see no reason why that cannot continue – albeit on a less visible scale, scoreline-wise. I’m going for a 3-0 home win.</p>
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https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2013/12/13/5208054/la-liga-fc-barcelona-vs-villarreal-cf-match-previewArron Duckling