La Liga: Barca Face Villarreal, Celta Look To Remain Top Four

Welcome to La Liga Talking Points, a weekly column running throughout the season in which we take a look at the key stories and talking points from Spanish football’s top flight. With an inevitable focus on the biggest teams, such as Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Barcelona, there will also be a worthwhile nod toward the rest, we take a look at how the league is shaping up each week and what to look out for going forward.

Barcelona vs. Villarreal

Barcelona welcome Villarreal to the Camp Nou on Sunday evening as Luis Enrique’s men continue their assault toward another La Liga title challenge.

In the absence of Lionel Messi many predicted Barcelona’s strained squad would falter in their title challenge, but that couldn’t be further from reality.

Indeed, Luis Suarez and Neymar have been in staggeringly consistent form of late, leading Barcelona to joint-top of the table. So far this season Neymar has scored nine goals in the league, while Suarez has netted eight times.

In the Champions League Barcelona are strolling to the knockout stages, having beaten BATE Borisov 3-0 midweek.

In terms of team news Javier Mascherano is sidelined with a ban, with the Argentina international serving the second match of his suspension, while Ivan Rakitic is out with an injury, meaning either Sergi Roberto and Andres Iniesta will stride forward ahead of Sergio Busquets.

Villarreal meanwhile currently sit 4^th in La Liga, enjoying their best domestic season in years. Don’t forget, it’s not long since Villarreal plied their trade in the Segunda division.

Marcelino Garcia Toral’s men have accrued 20 points from 10 games this season, and have recently arrested a run of consecutive defeats with a draw and then a win last weekend at home to Sevilla.

In the Europa League Toral’s men secured qualification to the round of 32 by beating Gent 2-1 on Thursday.

More from Playing for 90

The Yellow Submarine are not in too much strain in terms of squad selection, but will be without Eric Bailly who is serving a one-match ban, though the Ivorian is also suffering with an injury problem.

Daniele Bonera will come into the back four as a result, with Tomas Pina expected to partner Bruno in the centre of the park, while Denis and Jonathan are expected to be fielded out wide, with no changes up top.

Barcelona vs. Villarreal Match Prediction

Barcelona have won 26 of their last 31 matches in La Liga and have scored at least 3 goals in their last three matches against Villarreal in all competitions. A win on Sunday seems inevitable for La Blaugrana.

Celta Vigo vs. Valencia

Celta Vigo welcome Valencia to Balaidos on Saturday as they face another tough test of their credentials as they remain on course for a surprising Champions League qualification spot.

At the beginning of the season many Celta fans would have been happy with a mid-table finish this season, but under the tutelage of Eduardo Berizzo their sights have bee set far higher.

Indeed, now the Galician’s sit 3^rd in La Liga, trailing Real Madrid and Barcelona by a mere three points after the ten matches play so far.

With 11 points from a possible 18 however, their underlying form suggest a further drop-off from the top may be on its way.

Nevertheless, victory over Villarreal on October 18 suggested they’re the real deal, and their last victory – 3-2 against Real Sociedad at the Anoeta – illustrated their attacking style resulting in more victories.

Valencia meanwhile sit 7^th in La Liga and have endured an erratic season so far, under the management of Nuno Santo.