Villarreal – Barcelona

Barcelona are back in action with another crucial La Liga fixture this weekend as Xavi and his charges take on Unai Emery’s Villarreal side at the Estadio de la Ceramica on Saturday. Barcelona are in seventh place in the La Liga standings and have endured an abysmal season so far by their own lofty standards. Villarreal, on the other hand, are in 12th place in the league table at the moment and have struggled to hit their stride this season.

Barcelona have a predictably excellent record against Villarreal and have won 27 out of 44 matches played between the two teams, as opposed to Villarreal’s seven victories.

Barcelona have already managed to show signs of improvement under Xavi and dominated their 0-0 stalemate against Benfica this week. Villarreal have not been at their best this season and will need to step up to the plate in this match. Barcelona are the better team on paper and should be able to win this game.