Barca challenged before Christmas
In their last game before the (very) short winter break, the Catalans face a real test of maturity. The reigning champions are away to surprise package Villarreal, who are second in the table, ahead of Real Madrid on points. Both teams are in outstanding form in the league. Barca have won their last seven games, while the Yellow Submarine have won their last six.
However, Marcelino’s team suffered a bitter defeat during the week. While FC Barcelona narrowly defeated third-division Guadalajara in the third round of the cup, the third-placed team in La Liga embarrassed themselves against second-division Racing Santander. Ayoze Perez’s goal in the 86th minute was not enough to cancel out Arana’s double strike before the break.
In addition to the Champions League, the Yellow Submarine has now also been eliminated from the Copa. Nevertheless, the team from near Valencia is a real yardstick for the champions, and the question arises as to what result to bet on in Villarreal vs. Barcelona.
Usually, it is hardly worth betting on either of the two Spanish top clubs in matches involving them, as the betting odds are too low. In this match, however, the bookmakers believe the hosts have a real chance of winning, which is why the odds have been adjusted accordingly. It is therefore possible to place a bet on the outcome predicted by the forecast for Villarreal vs. Barcelona, namely a victory for the visitors.
Those who want to play even higher odds on Villarreal vs. Barcelona could even consider a handicap bet. Not only have the Catalans won their last seven league games, they have also scored at least two more goals than their opponents in each of those games.
Hansi Flick’s team stands for spectacle and lots of goals like no other in the world. With 49 goals from 17 games, it is no surprise that the reigning champions have by far the best offense in the league. Even though the Yellow Submarine’s defense will try to make it as difficult as possible for the Catalans to score, we can expect to see plenty of goals in this game. It therefore makes sense to bet on more than 3.5 goals at good odds in Villarreal vs. Barcelona.
Villarreal – Barcelona Head-to-head record
In head-to-head matches, the Catalans, who have won 23 of their last 30 encounters with the Yellow Submarine, clearly have the upper hand.
In the last four meetings between these two teams, there have been five or more goals scored, which is another reason to bet on a high-scoring game.
Villarreal – Barcelona Tip
In their last game before Christmas, the league leaders face another real test. Against Marcelino’s team, who have gone six league games without dropping a point, the Catalans will need to put in a very good performance to take home the three points.
However, Hansi Flick’s team is in impressive form, so it’s safe to assume that they will succeed.
It might even be worth placing a handicap bet, as Barcelona has won its last seven games by at least two goals. After all, betting on lots of goals is a no-brainer in games involving the Catalans.
