• Competition: Spain - LaLiga
• Date: Sunday, 22nd, September 2024
• Kickoff: 17:30 UK / 18.30 CEST
• Venue: Estadio de la Ceramica (Villarreal)

Hoping to keep their 100% record in the 2024-25 LaLiga season intact, Barcelona will take on unbeaten Villarreal at Estadio de la Cerámica on Sunday.

After missing out on a European spot by just four points last term, Villareal have started the new campaign with great determination with the intention of returning to where they belong, boasting the distinction of being one of the few unbeaten sides in LaLiga so far. Out of a maximum 15 points, Marcelinho's side managed to grab a commendable 11 points as a result of three wins and two draws, leaving them in the final spot for the most prestigious European club competition, but there is still a long way to go.

For their part, Barcelona experienced one of their poorest campaigns last term in the past decade, as they fell out of the title races on all fronts much earlier than anticipated, but this season they are determined to make amends. After five completed LaLiga matches, Hansi Flick's squad confidently leads the table as the only side with a maximum points haul, establishing a decent four-point gap ahead of title holders Real Madrid, so preserving their 100% record will be essential.

Villarreal vs Barcelona Betting Tips: BTTS

The early performances of these rivals suggest that we are in for a fireworks display at El Madrigal, which should be adorned with goals from the two most potent teams in the league. While successfully guiding Villarreal through the first five LaLiga fixtures with three wins and two draws, coach Marcelinho still feels concern over his team's defensive lapses, as they have conceded in every match since the start of the season, totaling eight goals. 

Although, it should not be forgotten that the Yellow Sumbarines have been relentless in attack in front of their home fans, having registered a remarkable 3+ goals in four of their last five home matches and will be hoping to be able to wound Barca's faulty backline. When it comes to the league leaders, they are excelling in attack and currently hold the title of the top scorers in LaLiga with 17 goals scored—an average of four per match—ut the other end of the pitch reveals that there is still room for improvement, as they have registered just one clean sheet in their first six competitive fixtures. 

The latest defensive lapse resulted in a 2-1 loss to Monaco on the opening day of the Champions League, and the Catalans' backline could once again come under fire from Villarreal, who caused big damage last season by putting eight goals past them. Moreover, last season's two encounters between these rivals produced an astonishing total of 17 goals, with each side getting on the scoresheet at least three times, and given that both teams are currently struggling defensively, we expect another goal-fest at El Madrigal.