Why Draw is Solid Pick for Villarreal vs Barcelona
Tough Road Test for Reigning Champs
We all know Real Madrid and Barcelona are the betting online favorites to win the La Liga title every season. Two games into the 2023-24 campaign, Real Madrid is offering a -140 price while Barcelona is +175. Why? Because Barcelona failed to win in the season opener.
Nevertheless, they bounced back a week ago and now come in as the La Liga betting favorites to defeat Villarreal. It won’t be easy, though. The Yellow Submarine is considered a dark horse and is offering an enticing price.

Villarreal Winless at Home
In such a competitive tournament, winning at home is crucial. Villarreal failed to do so in the season opener. The Yellow Submarine played host to Real Betis and lost 2-1 due to a goal in stoppage time. Curiously enough, they won possession and finished with more shots in total.
The good news is that we’re talking about a resilient team and last weekend they bounced back with a 1-0 victory over Mallorca. As if that wasn’t enough, Gerard Moreno, the team’s top striker, was the one who scored. For a striker, it’s very important to begin the season on the right foot. Plus, he’s offering a +220 price to score at any time against Barcelona. That’s a great deal.
Regarding Sunday’s matchup, the Yellow Submarine is offering a +260 price in the La Liga odds. I told you it was very tempting. That price gives you the chance of winning $260 per every $100 wagered. Let’s not forget that we’re also talking about a team that finished in the top seven in each of the last four seasons.
Hard at work ahead of #VillarrealBarça 💪 pic.twitter.com/AeZx4YU0Mw
— Villarreal CF English (@VillarrealCFen) August 23, 2023
Barcelona Favored Despite Slow Start
Of course, Barcelona deserves to be in control of the soccer lines at +105, but that doesn’t change the fact that they’ve suffered a bit more than expected. Currently, Los Azulgranas aren’t in the top four.
They were heavily favored in the soccer lines to defeat Getafe in the season opener. They controlled the match from start to end but failed to win. The match finished with a goalless draw and two red cards. Getafe lost Jaime Mata while Barcelona lost Raphinha.
Most recently, Los Azulgranas fulfilled their role as favorites against Cadiz, but keep in mind that both goals were scored during the last 10 minutes of the match. On the other hand, the defense did a great job since they only allowed one shot on goal.
If Villarreal has Moreno, Barcelona has Robert Lewandowski, who’s offering a +110 price to score at any time. Again, that’s a great deal.
Barcelona Used to Winning in Villarreal
Winning at La Ceramica isn’t easy, but Barcelona won in four of its last five visits. That’s what makes the difference between a powerhouse and a mid-standings squad. Last season, Los Azulgranas won 1-0 thanks to Pedri, who scored in the first half.
Don’t worry, the Yellow Submarine usually scores. In fact, they did in four of those last five meetings at La Ceramica. That leads me to recommend you include both teams to score in your soccer picks at -175.
Villarreal vs Barcelona Match Information
- Match: Villarreal vs Barcelona
- Date: Sunday, Aug. 27
- Time: 11:30 a.m. ET
- Location: La Ceramica, Villarreal
- Villarreal vs Barcelona Live Stream: fuboTV
Villarreal vs Barcelona Betting Lines
Villarreal vs Barcelona Betting Picks
Barcelona has talent to spare, but Raphinha won’t be able to play due to suspension. On the other hand, including last season’s final stretch, Villarreal only lost two of its last 10 games at home.
Both will score, but neither will win. If you like final score predictions, mine is 1-1, which is offering a +600 price in the sportsbook.