FCBARCELONA.CAT

22.04.2007 11:32

Villarreal try to redeem themselves

Only 12th in the league table, Villarreal will be aiming for a victory against Barça to avenge their 4-0 defeat at the Camp Nou earlier in the season.

Coach Manuel Pellegrini will have to do without the mid season reinforcements Tomasson and Matigol who are both injured.

Barça opponents on Sunday have not lived up to expectations so far this season. Just a year after reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League this season has been a disappointment. 12th in the table, their league form this year has been inconsistent.

Points lost at home

An example of the inconsistency of the yellow submarine is the amount of points dropped at home in their Madrigal Stadium – 23. So far they have won only 6 of the 15 home matches. Out of contention for European places but above the relegation zone, they are merely playing for pride against Barça. Also, they will be keen to avenge the 4-0 drubbing suffered earlier in the season at the Camp Nou, including a superb overhead kick from Ronaldinho.

Bad moment

Barça visit a team that is not in a good moment of form. It has been five games since their last league win against Levante. Since then the have only managed 2 points from a possible 15. In their last two outings they were beaten by Atletico Madrid 0-1 and Getafe 3-0.

Four missing

Manuel Pellegrini’s team will be missing four key players. Somoza and Guille Franco will be missing through suspension while John Dahl Tomasson and Matías Fernández “Matigol” are late withdrawals through injury. Diego Forlan is also a fitness worry.