Barcelona will look to make it six La Liga wins in a row as they travel to Villarreal on Sunday.
The Catalans will be disappointed with their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Monaco in their opening match of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League. Barca, however, have won five out of five league matches so far.
Villarreal continued their unbeaten start to the league campaign with a 2-1 win away from home against Mallorca in their previous league game.
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The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Villarreal vs. Barcelona live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this La Liga match in the U.S.:
TV channel: —
Live stream: ESPN+, ESPN App
This game is not available for live TV broadcast in the US. Streaming options are available on ESPN+ and ESPN App.
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What time does Villarreal vs. Barcelona kick off?
This La Liga clash takes place at Estadio de la Ceramica in Villarreal, Spain and kicks off on Sunday, September 22 at 6:30 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sun, Sep. 22 | 12:30 p.m. |
| Central Time | Sun, Sep. 22 | 11:30 a.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sun, Sep. 22 | 10:30 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sun, Sep. 22 | 9:30 a.m. |
Villarreal vs. Barcelona lineups, team news
Villarreal may get Alfonso Pedraza back from a long-term injury, having returned to training, but he'll have to win his left-back job from new signing Sergi Cardona.
Those missing with fitness issues include Gerard Moreno who is out with a hamstring strain, Juan Foyth who is sidelined with a knee issue, and Willy Kambwala.
Villarreal predicted XI (4-4-2, right to left): Conde (GK) — Kiko, Albiol, Costa, Cardona — Akhomach, Comesana, Parejo, Baena — A. Perez, Barry.
Doubt: Alfonso Pedraza.
Out: Gerard Moreno, Juan Foyth, Willy Kambwala.
Suspended: None.
After Dani Olmo went down with an injury, Hansi Flick moved Pedri up into a more attacking role and slotted Eric Garcia into defensive midfield. Unfortunately, it backfired as Garcia was sent off early in the midweek Champions League defeat, and it's unclear if Flick will stick with Garcia in league play.
Gavi is close to returning from his ACL tear, but will need to be eased back in once ready. Ferran Torres is out with a red card suspension, while Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, Andreas Christensen, and Fermin Lopez are all out with various injuries.
Barcelona predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Ter Stegen (GK) — Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde — Pedri, Casado — Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Raphinha — Lewandowski.
Doubt: Gavi
Out: Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, Andreas Christensen, Fermin Lopez.
Suspended: Ferran Torres.
Villarreal vs. Barcelona Prediction
Things have been fairly even between both sides in this tie recently, with Barcelona winning three games and Villarreal winning two in the last five meetups.
While Barcelona come into this game on the back of a loss and with multiple personnel missing, they should get all three points against Villarreal, although they will have to work hard for it.
- Prediction: Villarreal 1-2 Barcelona
La Liga fixture schedule this week
Friday, September 20
- Alaves vs. Sevilla (3:00 p.m. ET)
Saturday, September 21
- Real Valladolid vs. Real Sociedad (8:00 a.m. ET)
- Osasuna vs. Las Palmas (10:15 a.m. ET)
- Valencia vs. Girona (12:30 p.m. ET)
- Real Madrid vs Espanyol (3:00 p.m. ET)
Sunday, September 22
- Getafe vs. Leganes (8:00 a.m. ET)
- Athletic Club vs. Celta Vigo (10:15 a.m. ET)
- Villarreal vs. Barcelona (12:30 p.m. ET)
- Rayo Vallecano vs. Atletico Madrid (3:00 p.m. ET)
Monday, September 23
- Real Betis vs. Mallorca (3:00 p.m. ET)