Top 5 predictions for Villarreal vs Barcelona | La Liga 2021-22

#3 Xavi’s Barcelona to trouble Villarreal with their zippy passing

FC Barcelona v RCD Espanyol - La Liga Santander

Back in his playing days, former Barcelona midfielder Xavi used to be the best passer of the ball in all of Europe. His game-reading was unmatched and he could dictate tempo like no other. The Barcelona maestro could create attacks in the blink of an eye, leaving the opposition for dead.

Xavi has coached Barcelona for only a couple of games, but the philosophy he is trying to instill is already evident. He wants his players to be available to one another and move the ball around with considerable swiftness.

Xavi is eliminating the static gameplay Barcelona were accustomed to under Ronald Koeman, and we expect him to take another significant step against Villarreal.

If Villarreal do indeed go with a physical midfield, Barcelona will need to pass the ball around much quicker. Only then can they successfully break the press and put pressure on the Villarreal defense.

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#2 Ousmane Dembele to impress for Barcelona

FC Barcelona v SL Benfica: Group E - UEFA Champions League

At his unveiling as Barcelona coach, Xavi made no effort to hide his admiration for Ousmane Dembele. The 2010 World Cup winner loves the pace and creativity Dembele brings to the table and is eager to put the Frenchman’s skills to good use.

Courtesy of a never-ending list of injuries, Dembele has not managed to make the impact many expected. Every time he gets into the groove, an injury sidelines him, forcing him to do it all over again after he comes back.

Having recovered from a hamstring injury, Dembele made an appearance off the bench in the Champions League draw with Benfica on Tuesday. The Barcelona winger could not make a tangible impact that night, but he could do so against Villarreal on Saturday.

Expect the Frenchman to provide width to Barcelona’s attack and play a key role in a goal or two this weekend.

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#1 Villarreal and Barcelona to play out an exciting draw

Villarreal CF v BSC Young Boys: Group F - UEFA Champions League

Historically, Villarreal and Barcelona have been two of the most trigger-happy teams in La Liga. This season, however, not only have they been less threatening in front of goal but they have also been shaky at the back.

Seventh-placed Barcelona have only scored 20 goals in the league, while 12th-placed Villarreal have hit 15. Their goal differences, on the other hand, stand at five and two, respectively.

Both teams are desperate for a way back but do not seem to have enough to go for the kill. We expect both of them to hit the back of the net but a winner might not be on the cards.

We predict a 2-2 draw for Saturday’s La Liga encounter at the Estadio de la Ceramica.