Good afternoon and welcome to Sports Mole's live commentary of the La Liga clash between Barcelona and Villarreal from Camp Nou. Barcelona will be looking to return to winning ways in this match against a struggling Villarreal side. The Spanish champions have only collected one point from their last two matches to relinquish first spot in the table to Sevilla, but would - temporarily at least - return to the summit with a win. Three wins, five draws and five defeats – that is how Villarreal have performed in La Liga this season. It has brought them 14 points, which is only enough for 17th position at this stage.

Barcelona thumped Villarreal 5-1 when the two teams met at Camp Nou on May 9, and also recorded a 2-0 win in the reverse match last season. Villarreal have not actually beaten Barcelona in a league fixture since March 2008, although that 2-1 win did occur at Camp Nou. Barcelona have enjoyed the recent meetings between the two teams though, managing 15 goals in their last four home La Liga fixtures with the Yellow Submarine. What will occur in this afternoon's clash?

Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Camp Nou. Barcelona had some injury concerns entering this match. Let's have a look...

TEAMS!

BARCELONA: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Rakitic, Vidal, Busquets; Dembele, Messi, Coutinho

VILLARREAL: Asensjo; Gaspar, Alvaro, Ruiz, Pedraza; Cazorla, Caseres, Trigueros, Fornals; Moreno, Chukwueze

📍 Camp Nou 👋👋👋
⚽ #BarçaVillarreal
🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/xw9reWpiet — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 2, 2018

Barcelona have a fairly extensive injury list at the moment, but the problem was not made worse in the win over PSV Eindhoven earlier this week. Samuel Umtiti and Luis Suarez are both on the sidelines with knee problems, while Arthur misses out once again with a muscular complaint. It is exactly the same XI that started against PSV in the Champions League, meaning that Clement Lenglet, Arturo Vidal and Ousmane Dembele all keep their positions for the Spanish champions.

As for Villarreal, head coach Javi Calleja rung the changes for the clash with Rangers on Thursday, but the likes of Gerard Moreno, Sergio Asenjo and Samuel Chukwueze all return for the clash at Camp Nou. Chukwueze only made his league debut for Villarreal earlier this month, but he was on the scoresheet against Real Betis last time out, and the 19-year-old starts ahead of Carlos Bacca. Pablo Fornals, who has been linked with Barcelona in recent days, will also start in midfield alongside Santi Cazorla. Meanwhile, Alfonso Pedraza edges out Jaume Costa to start at left-back.

So there we have it. The two teams are in, and we are now just about 45 minutes from kickoff at Camp Nou. I shall speak about Villarreal a bit later, but let's start with the hosts Barcelona.

👏 #Messi has scored in his last six games against Villarreal at Camp Nou ... NINE goals in total!
🔵🔴 #ForçaBarça #BarçaVillarreal pic.twitter.com/0YQxPZPaSS — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 2, 2018

Just three points currently separate the top five teams in La Liga, and Barcelona slipped off the top of the table following their failure to collect all three points away to Atletico Madrid last weekend. Ousmane Dembele cancelled out a Diego Costa header to see Barcelona draw 1-1 with Atletico. When taking everything into account, it was a good result for the reigning champions, but they have now dropped points in six of their 13 league matches during the 2018-19 campaign.

As it stands, Barcelona are second in the table on 25 points, one point behind leaders Sevilla, who travel to fourth-placed Alaves tonight. Atletico - currently losing at Girona - in third have 24 points, while surprise package Alaves have 23 after 13 matches. Fifth-placed Real Madrid, meanwhile, beat Valencia 2-0 last night to move to within three points of the top of the table.

It would be fair to say that Barcelona have not been at their free-flowing best this season, but they are still the top scorers in the league with 35 goals. There does seem to be an issue down the other end though, with 19 goals conceded up there with the worst defensive records at this stage of the season. Umtiti's ongoing knee problems are a big concern for the club.

#BarçaVillarreal
TOP ⚽
👊 @neymarjr
🐐 #Messi
🤙 @10Ronaldinho pic.twitter.com/7o7oSrxEbq

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 1, 2018

Barcelona did manage to secure top spot in their Champions League group during the week, with a 2-1 success over PSV meaning that they cannot be caught. Once again there were defensive issues though, and Villarreal will be encouraged ahead of this tonight's match.

Indeed, Real Betis scored four times at Camp Nou earlier this month to win, while Girona and Athletic Bilbao have also prevented Barcelona from winning in front of their own supporters this season.

Barcelona only have four more La Liga matches before the winter break in Spain, and Valverde's team will be desperate to return to winning ways tonight. Should that not happen, the champions might well find themselves as low as fourth entering their visit to Espanyol on December 8.

#BarçaVillarreal | Warm up & Match Center https://t.co/KzThcElxez

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) December 2, 2018

Three wins, five draws and five defeats – that is how Villarreal have performed in La Liga this season. It has brought them 14 points, which is only enough for 17th position, and has left them just three points outside of the relegation zone. It really has been a disappointing start.

Since returning to La Liga for the 2013-14 campaign, Villarreal have finished sixth, sixth, fourth, fifth and fifth. Many would have fancied them to enjoy a similar position this season, and while that still might be the case, there have been issues in the early stages of the 2018-19 campaign.

Villarreal have only lost one of their last five in La Liga though, and that includes a 1-1 draw with Atletico. The Yellow Submarine picked up three much-needed points at home to Betis last weekend, while they are only five points off the top of the table despite their issues thus far this term.

Our very own magician 🎩 @19SCazorla has been named in the @EASPORTSEsp #TOTW #FIFA19 team of the week for two assists ⚽⚽ and the @LaLiga win against @RealBetis! 👍 Congrats, Santi!! 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/ivwXjwgVbU

— Villarreal CF English (@Eng_Villarreal) November 30, 2018

Goals have been an issue this season, with just 13 in their 13 league fixtures. Only five teams have managed fewer in Spain's top flight this season, and the fact that their top scorer is Gerard Moreno with just three will be a concern. Kickoff is just about 15 minutes away here!

Like Barcelona, Villarreal were in European action during the week. The Spanish outfit travelled to Scotland to take on Rangers in the Europa League, and a point against Steven Gerrard's side left them top of the table on seven points. They are in a good position to progress in Europe.

Calleja's team have been the draw specialists this season, having shared the points in four of their five Europa League group matches. The Yellow Submarine have drawn five of their last six games in all competitions, meanwhile, and would certainly take that result at Camp Nou.

#BarçaVillarreal | Our players enjoyed taking in the pre-match atmosphere at the Camp Nou after arriving at the ground. 🏟 pic.twitter.com/LjgqC46ixd — Villarreal CF English (@Eng_Villarreal) December 2, 2018

PREDICTION! Villarreal are too good to be sitting where they are in Spain's top flight, and they will gradually move up the table. Barcelona are due a La Liga win though, which we expect will occur this weekend. Let's say 2-0 to the home side with Messi and Dembele on the scoresheet.

Just a reminder of the two teams for this one...

BARCELONA: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Rakitic, Vidal, Busquets; Dembele, Messi, Coutinho

VILLARREAL: Asensjo; Gaspar, Alvaro, Ruiz, Pedraza; Cazorla, Caseres, Trigueros, Fornals; Moreno, Chukwueze

Here we go then; both sets of players have joined us on the pitch ahead of kickoff at Camp Nou. It is Barcelona versus Villarreal in Spain's top flight, let's hope for an entertaining game!

KICKOFF:  Barcelona kick things off on home soil...

... brilliant atmosphere inside the stadium tonight, and the home fans will be expecting a strong performance. Villarreal are certainly capable of causing problems in this match though.

Barcelona have been the team on the front foot in these early stages, with Vidal and Dembele involved. Villarreal are committing players forward though and Chukwuenze has just shown his ability and pace down the right. The 19-year-old looks to be a very impressive talent.

Villarreal are hunting in packs here as they look to make it uncomfortable for Barcelona. There is no question that the visitors can get after this open back four, which has struggled this term.

Chukwueze has already shown that he can be a big threat for Villarreal in this match, especially if he can get in and around the Barcelona box. Pique and Busquets won't want a race with him.

Dembele has just done about 3,000 step-overs in a wide area. Quite something there.

SAVE!  Decent save from Asenjo to keep out a strike from Messi.

Vidal and Dembele combine well in the final third of the field, but the latter's cross is gobbled up by the Villarreal goalkeeper. Still goalless with 12 minutes on the clock at Camp Nou.

YELLOW CARD!  Ruiz (Villarreal) is booked for chopping down Messi.

Messi sends the resulting free kick straight into the Villarreal wall.

SHOT!  High and wide from Dembele outside the Villarreal box.

OFF THE POST!  Huge chance for Villarreal as the ball breaks for Moreno inside the Barcelona box, but his effort is off the post and eventually Ter Stegen has the ball in his hands.

SAVE!  Ter Stegen saves from Chukwueze. Simple stop.

CLOSE!  Rakitic's powerful strike from outside the box just misses the post!

YELLOW CARD!  Lenglet (Barcelona) is booked for a late challenge on Chukwueze.

Still goalless with 20 minutes on the clock, but it has been a good game, and chances continue to arrive at both ends. Barcelona are currently on the front foot through Messi.

Pass, pass, pass from Barcelona as they look to work space. Villarreal are defending well though, and are showing that they are far too good to be sitting where they are in the league.

Barcelona are having all of the ball at the moment, but Villarreal are disciplined.

SAVE!  Comfortable save from Asenjo to keep out an effort from Dembele.

Not too much to report in terms of attacking football in the last few minutes, with Villarreal just taking some sting out of Barcelona's possession with a spell of their own. Still goalless.

YELLOW CARD!  Alvaro (Villarreal) is booked for a late challenge on Messi.

SAVE!  Both of Villarreal's centre-backs are now on a yellow card in this match. Messi has had two free kicks in dangerous areas, but has just sent the second straight into Asenjo's arms.

Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining, and Villarreal continue to defend well. Messi, as expected, is the player attempting to take the fight to the away side here.

SHOT!  Dembele sees a goal-bound strike blocked by Ruiz.

Vidal throws himself at a cross from Alba, but fails to make contact.

Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining, and we are still goalless here.

GOAL!  BARCELONA 1-0 VILLARREAL (PIQUE)

Barcelona make the breakthrough in the 36th minute as Pique heads a Dembele cross into the back of the net. Big time for the champions to open the scoring here.

Villarreal just need to be careful that they do not concede a second during a period where Barcelona are very much on the front foot. A second might be curtains for Villarreal.

SAVE!  Super save from Asenjo to keep out a close-range Messi strike!

Dembele has had his problems this season, but there is absolutely no question that the Frenchman is a wonderful footballer, and Villarreal are struggling to deal with him here.

Couple of little half-chances for Villarreal inside the Barcelona box, but Moreno and Alvaro both see their shots blocked. Still 1-0 as we approach the half-time interval here.

HALF TIME:  BARCELONA 1-0 VILLARREAL

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Barcelona leading 1-0 courtesy of a header from Pique. Villarreal have played quite well and indeed had their moments in the final third, but Barcelona have done enough to deserve to lead at the break.

STATISTICS! Barcelona had 74% of the ball in the first period, while they managed nine attempts, five of which were on target. Villarreal, meanwhile, hit the target with two of their six attempts. Three yellow cards to report - Lenglet for Barcelona, Ruiz and Alvaro for Villarreal.

BENCH WATCH! Villarreal boss Calleja has a number of attacking players capable of changing this match, with the likes of Bacca, Costa and Ekambi all available for the second period. Barcelona's bench, meanwhile, includes Alena, Munir El Haddadi, Malcom and Denis Suarez.

KICKOFF:  Villarreal resume the action here...

... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as play develops at Camp Nou.

Dembele has just shown his incredible pace in a wide position to blast away from Alfonso, but there are no takers on the Frenchman's low cross. Dembele has been excellent here.

SAVE!  Really good save from Asenjo to keep out a curling Messi effort.

SAVE!  Asenjo keeps out an effort from Rakitic, who had met a cross from Dembele.

Good spell of possession for Villarreal in the last couple of minutes, but they are eventually forced back. Just a reminder that Carlos Bacca is on the bench for the Yellow Submarine.

Moreno is not happy with Pique, who looked to throw an arm into the Villarreal striker. The referee is across to calm matters, but I suspect we have not heard the last of that battle.

A poor pass from Coutinho puts Barcelona in trouble, but Moreno is crowded out.

Pique and Moreno continue to enjoy a battle, and the latter is certainly causing Barcelona problems. It is an even game at the moment as we approach the 60-minute mark.

Not too much happening at the moment. Villarreal are in the match, but not really threatening to score a leveller. Messi and Dembele remain Barcelona's brightest players here.

Fornals is fortunate to escape a yellow card for a very late tackle on Busquets.

We are entering the period of the match where both managers will be considering changes.

Alba has just been receiving some treatment following a head injury, but he is fine to continue. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining, and Barcelona still lead 1-0 here.

VILLARREAL SUB! Bacca replaces Trigueros for the away side.

Villarreal have a free kick in a dangerous area as Chukwueze is felled by Vidal...

CLOSE!  ... Cazorla's free kick is over the Barcelona crossbar.

BARCELONA SUB! Alena replaces Vidal for Barcelona.

Barcelona have just started to turn up the heat here as they pass and probe in the final third. Messi feeds a pass into Dembele, but Alvaro is on hand to make the clearance.

Little over 15 minutes of football remaining, and the result is far from certain here.

Dembele continues to impress with his speed and power, but the Frenchman's final pass has been a bit disappointing since providing the cross for the only goal of the match thus far.

Bacca crosses into the side netting as Villarreal break forward.

Coutinho has been very quiet for Barcelona tonight, which of course means that he is going to score a 50-yard volley in the last 10 minutes. That is how the commentator's curse works.

CLOSE!  Well... almost! Coutinho has just sent a curling effort wide of the post.

VILLARREAL SUB! Ekambi replaces Moreno for the away side.

BARCELONA SUB! Coutinho is replaced by Malcom.

You do get the feeling that there is another goal in this match, and it would not be a surprise one bit to see Villarreal snatch something late on. Barcelona have been average tonight.

CLOSE!  Malcom heads over the Villarreal crossbar.

Barcelona would certainly welcome a clean sheet in this match when considering their defensive problems this season. Dembele continues to carry the fight to Villarreal.

GOAL!  BARCELONA 2-0 VILLARREAL (ALENA)

Barcelona make sure of the points in the 87th minute as substitute Alena collects a super pass from Messi before lifting the ball into the back of the net. Some finish there!

VILLARREAL SUB! Raba replaces Cazorla.

YELLOW CARD!  Fornals (Villarreal) is booked for a foul on Busquets.

YELLOW CARD!  Alfonso (Villarreal) is also booked for dissent.

We are into the second of four additional minutes here.

FULL TIME:  BARCELONA 2-0 VILLARREAL

So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Barcelona running out 2-0 winners over Villarreal to return to the top of the table. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again. See you next time!