The starting line-up for the match against Getafe had just one change in comparison to the Copa del Rey squad, with Sergi Roberto appearing on the right flank instead of Sergino Dest.
As for the rest, there were no surprises, as Oscar Mingueza, Gerard Pique, and Clement Lenglet started in defence. Ronald Koeman seems to like how the three defenders complement each other.
Jordi Alba retained his spot on the left wing, which is only appropriate considering how good he's been this term.
Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri formed the midfield trio, and while Busquets and De Jong did well, Pedri was quite off and seemed a bit fatigued, both physically and mentally.
Leo Messi and Antoine Griezmann once again started together upfront, with both Ousmane Dembele and Martin Braithwaite unavailable for the match.
We've learned by now that Koeman is not the biggest fan of rotations, but considering the rocky performance from some of the players in the latest home match, we wouldn't be surprised if some changes do happen against Villarreal after all.
Lenglet might be benched as he's completed his 'mistakes poker' against Getafe. The Frenchman was taken off at half time with no subsequent explanation from the coach.
Ronald Araujo, who's slowly regaining his form (and even scored a goal last time), should get his first start in a while.
Pique is reported to be struggling with pain in his thigh, but considering that there have been no reports about any kind of injuries, the 34-year-old might start the next game as well.
Mingueza was taken off after Koeman got enraged with the youngster's risky playing style against Getafe. Nonetheless, it's said that the dispute was settled in the locker room afterwards, so Oscar will likely be back in the squad.
The second change would be swapping Dest for Roberto, as the latter played a rather uninspiring game last time. The American is faster and more dangerous in the attacking third, and his sparks of individual brilliance might be needed to overcome Villarreal at La Ceramica.
Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen - Araujo, Pique, Mingueza - Dest, De Jong, Busquets, Pedri, Alba - Messi, Griezmann.
It could be a good idea to give Pedri some rest and start with either Ilaix Moriba or Riqui Puig, but judging by how much the coach has been relying on Pedri, it's very unlikely that he'll drop him for such an important match.
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Deadliest duo at Barca: no players have combined for more Liga goals than Busquets and Messi
Sergio Busquets has recorded four La Liga assist in the 2020/21 season so far, and all of them went to Leo Messi, as per WhoScored. It turns out, this is the best 'assist to goal scorer' record in the league tied with four other duos.
As for the next best 'assist to goal scorer' record at Barcelona, it's the Messi-Antoine Griezmann duo, with the Frenchman providing three assists to the captain.
Last season, meanwhile, the deadliest duo in the league were Luis Suarez and Messi, as the Argentine assisted the former Blaugrana striker on seven occasions.
Messi has gifted 28 penalties to teammates since 2008, Griezmann latest recipient
Lionel Messi has been Barcelona's designated penalty taker for as long as anyone can remember.
However, Leo hasn't been unselfish in dispatching this task. Messi has gifted 28 penalties to his teammates since 2008, according to @mvsrapp Twitter.
Here's how Barca players have benefited from Messi's benevolence:
1. Neymar - 11
2. Luis Suarez - 8
3. Samuel Eto'o - 3
4. Philippe Coutinho - 2
5. Philippe Coutinho - 1
6. Javier Mascherano - 1
7. Zlatan Ibrahimovic - 1
For Argentina, Carlos Tevez has also benefited once.
In 7 of those matches, Messi could have scored a hat-trick if he had taken and scored the penalty, as per the user.
