Villarreal vs Barcelona tips and predictions

Villarreal can frustrate in clash with Barcelona

This won't be dull.

A result is well within Villarreal's capabilities if they can push the envelope here.

The hosts come into the match having put 12 wins in the bag from their last 20 games. While most previews say that Barcelona will win the contest on their own terms, this Villarreal side must be respected.

Villarreal need to be at their best to have any chance. The home players are finding some form on their own soil. They have scored three or more times in 6 of their recent 9 home matches and at the back they have conceded no more than once in 3 of their last 4 games.

Barcelona lacked rearguard reliability in some of their recent trips. They've conceded at least once in all of their last 5 away matches. It might be close but no cigar for the unfancied side but they really can do this.

In their last fixture Barcelona were beaten 2-1 by Monaco.

So what will actually give this home squad confidence to get the job done? Some of their finishing has been imperious in recent outings. It could make the difference for them between a perfectly respectable loss and embarrassment.

The sportsbooks expect both sides to get in on the act despite the favouritism for Barcelona. However the odds-against for the No BTTS is actually the best bet from that market. And in the total goals line, it's over 2.5 goals in this match considering the price on offer.