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Villarreal logo
La Liga
Aug 31, 2014 at 6pm UK
 
Barcelona logo

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Ramirez (82')

Preview: Villarreal vs. Barcelona

Sports Mole previews Barcelona's trip to Villarreal in La Liga.

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique will be without Javier Mascherano when he takes the Catalan giants to Villarreal on Sunday.

The Argentine was sent off during Barcelona's 3-0 victory over Elche last weekend, but defender Gerard Pique is expected to return to the first team to take his place.

Striker Neymar is a major injury doubt with a sprained ankle, while new signing Thomas Vermaelen isn't ready to return after a hamstring problem.

Villarreal have started the season in fine style after recording back-to-back victories in the space of a week.

After overcoming Levante last weekend, Villarreal secured their place in the main stages of the Europa League with a emphatic 4-0 triumph over Astana.

Coach Marcelino Garcia Toral has a fully-fit squad available to him for the visit of last year's La Liga runners-up.

Recent form

Villarreal: WW

Barcelona: W

Possible starting lineups

Villarreal: Sergio Asenjo, Rukavina, Jaume Costa, Victor Ruiz, Gabriel Paulista, Cani, Bruno, Trigueros, Uche, Dos Santos, Cheryshev

Barcelona: Bravo; Alves, Pique, Mathieu, Alba; Rakitic, Busquests, Iniesta; Rafinha, Messi, Munir

Sports Mole says: 1-3


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Written by
Darren Plant
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Barcelona's Argentinian forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg football match FC Barcelona vs Manchester City at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on March 12, 2014
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Atletico MadridAtletico20135234132144
2Real Madrid19134243192443
3Barcelona20123552232939
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal198653431330
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad198471713428
8GironaGirona208482827128
9Sevilla207582329-626
10Rayo Vallecano196762222025
11Real BetisBetis206772226-425
12Osasuna196762328-525
13Celta Vigo197392830-224
14Las PalmasLas Palmas196492429-522
15Leganes205781929-1022
16Getafe204881417-320
17AlavesAlaves2055102432-820
18Espanyol2054111932-1319
19Real ValladolidValladolid2043131439-2515
20Valencia1927101829-1113


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