By Graham Ruthven
Officially the best
It was never really in any doubt after victory in El Clásico last week, but Barcelona got the job done against Espanyol on Thursday to secure the title.
The Catalans have been the best team in Spain this season. They are a force of nature in attack and have been unstoppable from start to finish of the 2024/24 campaign, as highlighted by the tally of 97 goals in 36 games.
Hansi Flick could take the opportunity to start some of his fringe players with the title already wrapped up. Nonetheless, Barca will want to finish with a flourish in their final match of the season at Montjuïc.
Villarreal, on the other hand, are still firmly in the race to finish in the top five and qualify for next season’s Champions League. Four points is the difference between The Yellow Submarine and Betis below them so an away win wrap that up for Villarreal with a game to spare.
Key players
Lamine Yamal might be the best player in the world on current form. The teenager put Barcelona ahead against Espanyol in trademark fashion, cutting inside and finding the top corner from 18 yards out. He is a constant threat around the edge of the box.
Raphinha is another Barcelona attacker who has enjoyed an exceptional season. The Brazilian has scored 18 goals in LaLiga and could add to his tally should Flick start him over a fringe player against Villarreal.
Pedri has been the creative heart in the Barca midfield, creating 14 Big Chances in LaLiga this season. However, having played 2,770 minutes this term he is a prime candidate to be rotated out of the side.
Ayoze Pérez bagged a brace against Leganés in midweek and will be a threat in behind Barcelona’s high defensive line. Nicolas Pépé will also be a danger from the right side.
Álex Baena registered an assist during the week and has racked up nine assists in LaLiga this season. If Villarreal can get a foothold in possession, they could have the quality to consistently creative from midfield and into the final third.
Team news
Jules Koundé will be sidelined for the final two games of the season through injury, meaning Héctor Fort or Eric García will be favoured on the right side of the Barcelona defence.
Wojciech Szczęsny has kept his place in the lineup even after the return of Marc-André Ter Stegen from injury. The Polish goalkeeper will likely be afforded a final match at Montjuïc before the end of his short-term contract.
Robert Lewandowski’s fitness is still a concern and so Flick might choose not to risk him at this stage of the season with the title race already settled.
Raúl Albiol will miss Sunday’s match for Villarreal through injury while Ilias Akhomach is also an absentee. Thierno Barry and Kiko Femenía are doubts.
Prediction
With Barcelona ‘on the beach’ after confirming their domestic treble, we’re expecting the recent pattern of conceding goals to continue, while they remain strong going forward. So perhaps expect a score draw, with Villarreal edging themselves towards Champions League football: Barcelona 2-2 Villarreal
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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