FC Barcelona will be returning back to La Liga action tonight with Villareal visiting Camp Nou. Lionel Messi will not feature in tonight's encounter as he was given an extended holiday. Yaya Toure has already left for African nations Cup, eventhough it is clear that Guardiola will not have used him even if he is available. So it is better for Toure to get some playing time. Keita and Jeffren has also down with injury. One good news is that Andres Iniesta has been declared fit to play in this match. Last season in the corresponding ficture Iniesta was injured and Barca ended drawing the match 3-3, find the report here - Title Party Postponed. Villareal always have been a tough opponennt for Barca. In total encounter between these two teams, the honours now remain shared with eight wins each. What makes it more interesting is that in ten visit to Camp Nou, they have only lost four times.
But Villareal had a mioserable start to the season. Even though they have recovered well from that initial slump. thier away form this season gives much hope for a Barca fan. Eventhough we weren't great away from home, but in the league we have been formidable at home this season. That should ease nerves of barca fans. Even with absence of Messi Guardiola should be able to put up a formidable side for tonight's encounter. Valdes should guard the goal and infront of him Guardiola is most likely to chose a defensive setup involving Alves, Puyol, Pique and Abidal. Milito is expected to see some action in the second half if alla goes well. The midfield should feature Busquests, Xavi and Iniesta. The froward line-up will have the likes of Pedro, Ibra and Henry. This is going to be a tough encounter but Barca's excellent home form should see them through. I predict a Barca victory with a scoreline of 2-0.