La Liga leaders Barcelona aim to get their campaign back on track after the first defeat of the season, but defeating high-flying Villarreal will be no easy task.

The Yellow Submarine were somewhat unfortunate not to beat Malaga at home, but they remain just one point shy of top 4 positions.

Barcelona may have been going strong under Tata Martino, but they are starting to show the first signs of slowing down.

The absence of Lionel Messi has obviously played a part, but the Catalans still have plenty of quality players to be able to continue the good run of results.

And even if the Champions League defeat to Ajax had no major significance, it certainly acted as a blow to the players’ confidence, as witnessed by the 1-0 loss at New San Mames.

As a result, Barcelona’s three-point advantage at the top has melted and it is now absolutely crucial they return to winning ways as quickly as possible.

With the 6-1 Champions League triumph over Celtic clearly a step in the right direction, the Catalans are 1.33 (1/3) to defeat Villarreal as well.

Leo Messi and Victor Valdes continue to miss out, whereas Daniel Alves is a major doubt. Jordi Alba has returned into action and he is set to start.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Pinto – Montoya, Mascherano, Pique, Alba – Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta – Sanchez, Fabregas, Neymar.

Villarreal have been without a doubt the biggest surprise package of the season, with the Yellow Submarine showing La Liga just what they had been missing.

Marcelino Garcia Toral’s side quickly climbed to the top half of the standings and are now being regarded as serious top 4 contenders.

The Yellow Submarine are currently on a five-match unbeaten run, but they have slipped to fifth after conceding a late equalizer at home to Malaga.

Nevertheless, having shared spoils with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid this season, albeit at their El Madrigal, Villarreal are 3.80 (14/5) to frustrate another title contenders.

The problem is they face serious selection problems ahead of the trip to Camp Nou, with the lack of strength in depth something that could cost them dearly in the future.

Namely, key midfielders Cani and Bruno are out through injury and suspension respectively, whereas Francisco Farinos is long-term casualty.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Asenjo – Mario, Musacchio, Dorado, Costa – Aquino, Trigueros, Pina, Perez – Dos Santos, Uche.