FC Barcelona picked up their first win of the season final week in opposition to Cadiz, and hope to do it over again once they face Villarreal this weekend.
The sport will function a distraction from chatter about comings and goings with switch deadline day looming, and probably as a reminder of the strengths of the squad readily available. Ilkay Gundogan has impressed in his first two video games on the membership, and expectations stay excessive that Barcelona have what it takes to defend their title. A win over Villarreal will bolster the group’s argument that the lengthy rebuild is working, and hold them inside attain of first place aspect Actual Madrid.
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Tips on how to watch and odds
- Date: Sunday, August 27 | Time: 11:30 a.m. ET
- Location: Estadio de la Cerámica — Villarreal, Spain
- Stay stream: ESPN+
- Odds: Villarreal +235; Draw +260; FC Barcelona +106
Storylines
After a less-than-ideal begin to the season with a 0-0 draw in opposition to Getafe that noticed three pink playing cards, Barcelona rebounded final week with a 2-0 win over Cadiz. Final week’s sport got here with standout performances from a handful of Barcelona gamers together with new signing Gundogan, who assisted Pedri’s go-ahead aim.
These two, plus the likes of Gavi and Robert Lewandowski, shall be counted on as Barcelona proceed the early a part of their title protection, whereas Jules Kounde shall be anticipated to guide the defensive effort.
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Prediction
Barcelona’s stacked roster of attacking expertise is nice sufficient to overpower most of their opponents, so anticipate a decisive victory from the reigning league champions. Decide: Villarreal 0, FC Barcelona 2
