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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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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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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona26183571254657
2Real Madrid27176457263157
3Atletico MadridAtletico27168344182656
4Athletic Bilbao271310445242149
5Villarreal26128648361244
6Real BetisBetis2711883533241
7Mallorca27107102633-737
8Rayo Vallecano279992929036
9Celta Vigo27106114041-136
10Sevilla279993236-436
11Real Sociedad27104132328-534
12Getafe2789102322133
13GironaGirona2796123540-533
14Osasuna2671273237-533
15Espanyol2677122537-1228
16Valencia2769123045-1527
17Leganes2769122440-1627
18AlavesAlaves2768133040-1026
19Las PalmasLas Palmas2766153045-1524
20Real ValladolidValladolid2744191862-4416


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