By Graham Ruthven
Formally the very best
It was by no means actually in any doubt after victory in El Clásico final week, however Barcelona bought the job executed in opposition to Espanyol on Thursday to safe the title.
The Catalans have been the very best staff in Spain this season. They’re a drive of nature in assault and have been unstoppable from begin to end of the 2024/24 marketing campaign, as highlighted by the tally of 97 targets in 36 video games.
Hansi Flick may take the chance to start out a few of his fringe gamers with the title already wrapped up. Nonetheless, Barca will wish to end with a flourish of their ultimate match of the season at Montjuïc.
Villarreal, however, are nonetheless firmly within the race to complete within the high 5 and qualify for subsequent season’s Champions League. 4 factors is the distinction between The Yellow Submarine and Betis beneath them so an away win wrap that up for Villarreal with a sport to spare.
Key gamers
Lamine Yamal could be the very best participant on this planet on present type. {The teenager} put Barcelona forward in opposition to Espanyol in trademark style, slicing inside and discovering the highest nook from 18 yards out. He is a continuing menace across the fringe of the field.
Raphinha is one other Barcelona attacker who has loved an distinctive season. The Brazilian has scored 18 targets in LaLiga and will add to his tally ought to Flick begin him over a fringe participant in opposition to Villarreal.
Pedri has been the inventive coronary heart within the Barca midfield, creating 14 Massive Probabilities in LaLiga this season. Nevertheless, having performed 2,770 minutes this time period he’s a main candidate to be rotated out of the facet.
Ayoze Pérez bagged a brace in opposition to Leganés in midweek and shall be a menace in behind Barcelona’s excessive line of defense. Nicolas Pépé can even be a hazard from the proper facet.
Álex Baena registered an help in the course of the week and has racked up 9 assists in LaLiga this season. If Villarreal can get a foothold in possession, they may have the standard to constantly inventive from midfield and into the ultimate third.
Staff information
Jules Koundé shall be sidelined for the ultimate two video games of the season by means of damage, that means Héctor Fort or Eric García shall be favoured on the proper facet of the Barcelona defence.
Wojciech Szczęsny has saved his place within the lineup even after the return of Marc-André Ter Stegen from damage. The Polish goalkeeper will possible be afforded a ultimate match at Montjuïc earlier than the top of his short-term contract.
Robert Lewandowski’s health continues to be a priority and so Flick may select to not threat him at this stage of the season with the title race already settled.
Raúl Albiol will miss Sunday’s match for Villarreal by means of damage whereas Ilias Akhomach can also be an absentee. Thierno Barry and Kiko Femenía are doubts.
Prediction
With Barcelona ‘on the seashore’ after confirming their home treble, we’re anticipating the current sample of conceding targets to proceed, whereas they continue to be robust going ahead. So maybe anticipate a rating draw, with Villarreal edging themselves in the direction of Champions League soccer: Barcelona 2-2 Villarreal
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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