The upcoming LaLiga Round 17 clash between Villarreal and FC Barcelona promises to be one of the most intriguing fixtures of the weekend. Scheduled for Sunday, December 21 at 10:15 AM ET, the match will take place at the historic Estadio de la Cerámica in Villarreal, Spain, where Barcelona will look to continue their winning momentum against a Yellow Submarine squad fighting to climb the table.
Match Details
Stadium: Estadio de la Cerámica, Villarreal
Capacity: 24,500
Surface: Grass
Kickoff: Sunday, Dec. 21, 10:15 AM ET
Broadcast: fuboTV / ESPN Select
Competition: LaLiga, Round 17
Weather Forecast: 57 degrees with light rain expected
With rain in the forecast, both teams may face slippery conditions that could influence defensive stability and ball control. Such conditions often favor clubs with strong possession structure, something Barcelona thrives on.
How to Watch Villarreal vs Barcelona
Fans in the United States can watch the match live on fuboTV through the ESPN Select channel package. Live streaming will be available with a subscription, making it easy to follow LaLiga action from anywhere.
Villarreal Recent Form
Villarreal have been inconsistent in recent weeks, experiencing a mix of positive and negative results:
- Villarreal 2–3 Copenhagen
- Villarreal 2–0 Getafe
- Granada 1–1 Villarreal
- Real Sociedad 2–3 Villarreal
- Borussia Dortmund 4–0 Villarreal
The team has shown resilience with key wins against Real Sociedad and Getafe but has also struggled defensively, conceding heavily in losses to Dortmund and Copenhagen. Their volatility makes them difficult to predict but always dangerous at home.
Barcelona Recent Form
Barcelona enter this match in strong form, winning five consecutive fixtures across competitions:
- Barcelona 2–0 Osasuna
- Barcelona 2–1 Eintracht Frankfurt
- Real Betis 3–5 Barcelona
- Barcelona 3–1 Atlético Madrid
- Barcelona 3–1 Alavés
Xavi’s side appears to be hitting its stride, posting impressive victories over Atlético Madrid and Betis while scoring at least three goals in four of their last five games. Their attack is producing consistently, and their midfield control has improved.
Key Storylines
Barcelona’s Attack vs Villarreal’s Defense
With Villarreal conceding multiple goals in several recent matches, Barcelona’s frontline will look to exploit defensive gaps. Light rain may add unpredictability but should not slow down Barca’s quick passing sequences.
Can Villarreal Use Home Advantage?
The Yellow Submarine traditionally performs well at La Cerámica. If they can tighten their defense and capitalize on transition moments, they may cause problems for Barcelona.
Momentum Matters
Barcelona hold a clear form advantage, but Villarreal’s history of rising to big occasions keeps this fixture compelling.
Prediction
While Villarreal remain dangerous, Barcelona’s current form and offensive efficiency give them the edge. Expect Villarreal to challenge early, but Barcelona’s consistency may ultimately prevail.
Projected Result: Barcelona win, with a likely multi-goal performance.