Barcelona will be looking to strengthen their lead at the top of the table when they travel to Villarreal for a Spanish La Liga fixture.
The Catalans have looked almost unstoppable lately, while the hosts are aiming to bounce back from recent stumbles.
Villarreal are enjoying a solid campaign so far as they sit third in the table, eight points off the pace. However, they have stumbled slightly lately, losing their last two matches in all competitions.
Marcelino's men will head into this clash off the back of a 2-1 defeat at La Liga 2 side Racing Santander in a midweek Copa Del Rey fixture. They will be keen to get back on track and have won their last three home matches in the league, including a 2-0 victory over Getafe last time out.
Barcelona opened up a four-point lead at the top of the table after claiming a 2-0 home victory over Osasuna last time out in La Liga. They followed up that result with a 2-0 win at Guadalajara in the Copa Del Rey.
Both results are part of an impressive run of form for Barcelona, who have won their last six matches in all competitions. Hansi Flick's men have also caught the eye on their travels, winning three of their last four away matches.
How the bookies view it: Barcelona with the upper hand
Barcelona have the upper hand among the bookies and are priced at 10/11 by Ladbrokes to claim the win. A victory for Villarreal is valued at 12/5 by Betfred, while bet365 are offering 15/4 for a draw.
Head to head: Barcelona on top
Barcelona have a 29-8 advantage with nine draws in the last 46 matches against Villarreal. The Catalans have also won the last six away meetings and claimed a 5-1 victory in last season’s visit to the Estadio de la Ceramica.
Players to watch: Eyes on Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski has eight La Liga goals for Barcelona this season and will be the one to watch on Sunday. The striker was also on target in last season’s away meeting with Girona (Robert Lewandowski anytime goalscorer – valued at 17/20 by William Hill).
Villarreal often spread their goals across the team, but Alberto Moleiro is their leading scorer with six La Liga goals. The midfielder could be worth keeping an eye on (Alberto Moleiro anytime goalscorer – priced at 11/4 by Paddy Power).
Probable line-ups:
Villarreal are likely to be without Gerard Moreno and Thomas Partey, with both men sidelined with injury, while Nicola's Pepe is on international duty at the AFCON. Renato Veiga is expected to feature at the back while Ayoze Perez could earn a start.
Barcelona are likely to be without Gavi and Dani Olmo, who are both sidelined with Injury. Lewandowski sat out the win over Osasuna and could earn a start here, while Pau Cubarsi should continue at the back.
Villarreal: Luiz Junior, Navarro, Marin, Veiga, Pedraza, Buchanan, Comesana, Moleiro, Solomon, Mikautadze, Perez.
Barcelona: Garcia, Kounde, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde, Garcia, Pedri, Yamal, Raphinha, Rashford, Lewandowski.
Anything else catch the eye?
The last four matches between Barcelona and Villarreal have produced over 3.5 goals – offered at 8/11 on bet365. The Catalans have scored in both halves in the last two away meetings (Barcelona to score in both halves – available at 23/20 on William Hill).
Barcelona have scored first in their last four away matches against Villarreal (Barcelona to score first – set at odds of 7/10 with William Hill).
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