"Starting with the hosts, while Villarreal might open this weekend's fixtures sat in bronze medal position among Spain's elite, the Yellow Submarine have shown some real cause for concern over the past few weeks. Suffering a shock Copa del Rey exit away at Segunda outfit Racing Santander on Wednesday as they fell to a 2-1 loss, Marcelino's side will be bracing themselves for a stern examination here."
"Enduring what has been a public Champions League nightmare this season and last seen in European action getting hit with an action-packed 3-2 defeat at home against Copenhagen, Villarreal have suffered back-to-back losses for the first time since the middle of September. However, it should be highlighted, Marcelino's side secured a sensational 3-2 victory when they last met the reigning Spanish champions back on May 18th."
"Villarreal Team News Dealing with a recent muscle issue and not making a single La Liga appearance over the past month, Villarreal are once again expected to be without summer recruit and former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey. Likewise, still sidelined with a long-term hamstring injury, ex-Manchester United youngster Willy Kambwala will miss out here. Bagging a consolation Copa del Rey strike against Racing Santander earlier in the week and now registering six direct goal contributions in as many appearances, former Newcastle striker Ayoze Perez could keep his spot from the start. Making a permanent switch from Chelsea over the summer, Renato Veiga will start at the heart of Marcelino's defence."
Barcelona will travel to Castellon to face Villarreal aiming to widen their La Liga buffer. Villarreal sit third but have shown real cause for concern after a shock 2-1 Copa del Rey defeat at Racing Santander and back-to-back losses following a 3-2 home defeat to Copenhagen in the Champions League. Marcelino's side previously beat Barcelona 3-2 on May 18. Villarreal are likely to be without Thomas Partey and Willy Kambwala. Ayoze Perez has six direct goal contributions in six appearances and could start. Renato Veiga will start at the heart of Villarreal's defence. Barcelona won 2-0 at Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey and remain in strong form.
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