
Latest Real Madrid v Villarreal live streaming schedule, plus Almeria v Atletico Madrid team news from La Liga tonight (KO 19:00).
Real Madrid are considered 4/11 favourites to beat high-flying Villarreal whilst Barcelona look to bounce back from last week’s defeat during their trip to Sevilla.
It’s not very often that both Real Madrid and Barcelona are chasing another team for the lead in La Liga but both sides are going to need a win against tough opponents if they are to stay in touch with Atletico Madrid.
For Real, this will mean that they will need to get a good result at the Bernabeu against a revitalised Villarreal side looking for a European placing.
After last week’s draw against Bilbao, Real still find themselves in third place although they are now three points behind their arch-rivals in the race for the title.
The problem for Carlo Ancelotti’s side is that Cristiano Ronaldo will begin his three-match ban after being sent off last week meaning that Karim Benzema is to start in his place.
Alongside that, Gareth Bale is expected to return to the starting line-up after missing their last couple of games through injury and could come in at the expense of Angel Di Maria.
It won’t be easy for Real though as Villarreal look like their former selves and currently sit fifth in the table just three points of the Champions League places.
Villarreall will be forced to make a couple of changes in their line-up as Ikechukwu Uchu will be unavailable due to a thigh problem whilst Tomas Pina is suspended for the clash.
It means that French striker Jeremy Perbet is likely to lead the line for the visitors whilst Mexican midfielder Javier Aquino is expected to get a run-out in the game.
On Sunday, Barcelona will get the chance to close the three-point gap to the league leaders in a tough match against a strong Sevilla side.
The defending champions will be without both Javier Mascherano and Jordi Alba through suspension meaning that Adriano is likely to join Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol in the back four.
Sevilla, currently seventh in La Liga, will be without several players going into the clash with Stephane M’Bia and Cicinho out injured and defender Alberto Moreno suspended for the tie.
It will certainly not be easy for either Real Madrid or Barcelona this weekend and both teams will need a good result to stop them from losing further ground in the title race.