SM
Sports Mole words bigger AMP 2
Blackburn vs. Preston: 14 hrs 44 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
BL
Barcelona logo
Copa del Rey | Round Four
Dec 2, 2015 at 7pm UK
 

6-1

Alves (4'), Sandro (21', 31', 69'), El Haddadi (51', 76')
FT(HT: 3-1)
Blazquez (29')

Preview: Barcelona vs. Villanovense

:Headline: Preview: Barcelona vs. Villanovense: ID:260095: from db_amp
Sports Mole previews the Copa del Rey clash between Barcelona and Villanovense at Camp Nou.

Barcelona will be aiming to ease into the next round of the Copa del Rey in the second leg of their clash against Villanovense.

Luis Enrique's men were held to a goalless draw in the first leg in October as the Segunda Division side put in a resolute display at the Estadio Romero Cuerda.


Barcelona

Barcelona are in prime form entering the contest after winning their last six contests by comfortable margins as they seek to defend their title from last season.

The Catalan club have blown away their opposition in recent weeks, including their crushing 4-0 win over Real Madrid in El Clasico a fortnight ago.

Their goalless draw against Villanovense has been a rare blemish for Enrique's men as it has been the only match in which the club have failed to score this term.

However, the form of Neymar and Luis Suarez as well as the return of Lionel Messi has been the driving force of their dominating run, with the Brazilian notching nine goals in six matches.

Defensively, Barcelona have been solid at the back, conceding just once in their last six matches and only four times in 10 games since their defeat to Sevilla in October.

The Catalan club are a formidable unit at most venues across the world, but are almost unbeatable at Camp Nou, with their last defeat coming at the hands of Malaga in February.

Enrique will be anxious to sign off with two victories over the course of the week before his side head off to play at the Club World Cup.

Recent form: D
Recent form (all competitions): WWWWWW


Villanovense

Since their goalless draw in the first leg against Barcelona, Villanovense have endured a torrid run of form, losing five matches on the spin.

As a result, the club have dropped down the Segunda Division into the relegation zone with 13 points from their 15 games this season.

Villanovense's problems have stemmed from their defensive record as they have conceded first-half goals in three of their five defeats, leaving them with much work to do to get back into games.

The team have conceded 23 goals in the division, the joint-most in the league along with Linense.

Julio Cobos Moreno's men have also struggled in front of goal this season, scoring just three goals in their last six matches culminating in their losing run.

Villanovense head into the match at Camp Nou without a victory on their travels in their last 15 attempts, which would mean a win for Moreno's men would be one of the biggest upsets in the history of the competition.

Recent form: D
Recent form (all competitions): DLLLLL


Team News

Enrique will have decisions to make over whether to start the big three in Messi, Suarez and Neymar for the clash. The Uruguayan and the Brazilian have played a lot in recent weeks, while the Argentine has just returned from a spell on the sidelines.

However, due to the club's struggles to find the net in the first leg with Munir El Haddadi and Sandro Ramirez leading the line, Enrique may have to play at least one of the trio.

Javier Mascherano has been struggling with a knock since El Clasico and may be rested for the contest, with Thomas Vermaelen and Marc Bartra expected to come into the side as Gerard Pique may also sit the match out.

Adriano and Marc-Andre ter Stegen could also come into the starting lineup after missing the victory over Real Sociedad.

Manuel Herrera Lopez was sent off in his side's defeat to Recreativo Huelva at the weekend, with Cubi expected to replace him in defence.

Jario Caballero and Casi could also push for a place in the starting lineup after appearing from the bench in their contest on Saturday.

Barcelona possible starting lineup:
Ter Stegen; Alves, Bartra, Vermaelen, Alba; Iniesta, Rakitic, Busquets; Munir, Messi, Sandro

Villanovense possible starting lineup:
Fuentes; J Sanchez, Cubi, Tapia, C Sanchez; Pajeulo, Perez, Mato, Juanjo, Moraga; Juanfran


Head To Head

The only meeting between the sides took place in the first leg of the contest, which ended in a goalless draw.


We say: Barcelona 4-0 Villanovense

Enrique's men have been at the height of their form in recent weeks due to their firepower in the final third. Should the Barcelona boss choose to rest members of his squad their prowess in front of goal may be reduced, but still expect the Catalan club to win the match at a canter to advance to the last 16.



amp_article__260095 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2015-12-01 10:08:30:
html db last update - 2015-12-01 10:08:30 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html
Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid21154250203049
2Atletico MadridAtletico21136235142145
3Barcelona21133559243542
4Athletic Bilbao21117331181340
5Villarreal219753932734
6Mallorca219391926-730
7Rayo Vallecano217862524129
8GironaGirona218492929028
9Real Sociedad218491717028
10Real BetisBetis217772326-328
11Osasuna216962530-527
12Sevilla217682430-627
13Celta Vigo2174103033-325
14Getafe215881717023
15Las PalmasLas Palmas2165102634-823
16Leganes215881929-1023
17AlavesAlaves2156102533-821
18Espanyol2155112033-1320
19Valencia2137112036-1616
20Real ValladolidValladolid2143141442-2815
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .