Barcelona XI vs Villarreal – Predicted lineup and team news | OneFootball

Barcelona visit Villarreal on Sunday for their final fixture of the 2025 calendar year, looking to close out an impressive stretch of form with another away victory.

Villarreal, meanwhile, will try to protect their strong defensive record and finish the year on a high note in front of their own fans.

The league leaders come into this clash aiming to extend a dominant run that has put them four points clear at the top of La Liga with 43 points, ahead of second-placed Real Madrid.

Villarreal have reasons for confidence of their own, having amassed the most clean sheets in the division (seven). They’ve also conceded the fewest goals so far (13), underlining how difficult they have been to break down this season.

Barcelona team news

Barcelona’s preparations are complicated by a series of significant absentees in key areas of the pitch.

Gavi continues his recovery from a knee problem, while centre-back Ronald Araujo remains unavailable due to personal reasons, limiting Flick’s options at the back. Summer signing Dani Olmo is also ruled out with a shoulder injury.

The Catalans have been dealt another setback. Pedri missed Friday’s training session because of a calf issue and is now expected to sit out the trip to Villarreal as a precaution. In his absence, Eric Garcia is a strong candidate to step into midfield alongside Frenkie de Jong, giving Flick a more conservative pairing in the centre of the pitch.

Up front, Ferran Torres is poised to spearhead the attack. He has already reached 11 La Liga goals this season to establish himself as one of Barcelona’s most reliable finishers in 2025–26.

His form could mean Marcus Rashford starts among the substitutes. The England international is likely to rotate with Fermin Lopez and Raphinha as Flick manages minutes across a congested schedule.

Barcelona predicted lineup

Possible Barcelona starting XI: J Garcia; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; De Jong, E Garcia; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Torres.

When will the match kick off?

The match will kick off at 3:15pm BST.

How to watch Villarreal vs Barcelona?

For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on Premier Sports 1, which holds the exclusive La Liga rights in the region for this season.

Read Also – The longest winless runs in the history of the Premier League

See More – Maresca explains poor Chelsea half following comeback at Newcastle

Follow the Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube