The only true competitors of La Liga who are constantly competing against each other for the title are Barcelona and Real Madrid. Without these two I do not think there are actually many competitions in the league. 6/7 years ago the league was a lot more competitive. Atletico Madrid was actually a good team. They were even really good in the Champions League as well. But right now it has definitely become kind of a farmers league.
Barcelona definitely going to be interested in winning this match against Villareal. Barcelona have already lost some points. so they will have to win matches consistently. It is not going to be a home match for Barcelona. so that might be a little bit of problem for them.
A few seasons earlier even Atletico performed quite well by being able to take the title position, it's just that it was also the beginning of their destruction where after they got the trophy their performance declined even more to this day.
There are some conditions where I actually don't really like the same way Simeone coaches for a very long time because in my opinion things like this must change so that the club becomes fresher.
Not that Simeone is bad but if you continue to rely on Simeone, the scheme that Atletico does becomes a spectacle because it does the same scheme and formation in every season.
Back to Barcelona and Villarreal I still hope for Barcelona but I will probably watch without making a bet even though the odds are pretty good because honestly with the previous 2 Barcelona matches in terms of finishing that is lacking I am quite doubtful about this match and even if I win this possibility will only be a narrow victory for Barcelona.
That's one of the reasons why I don't gamble.
Although with the condition of the club and the favourite, Barcelona is definitely the favourite club in this match but still this does not become a reference to believe that they can win easily.
Lewandowski's condition which seems to lose his instincts and some other players that make me doubt the finishing is one of the reasons not to bet.
However, the presence of Pedri and the return of Raphinha will put more pressure on the game and my hope for Xavi is that he gives Ansu a chance to prove himself because it's been a long time since he's been given more of a chance in a game.
For me, it is hard to trust Barcelona as well at the start of the season. Barcelona is definitely a great team. But at the start of the season, some players are not performing well. Or at least not as expected. So it is going to be hard to predict what happens in this match In my opinion.
But of course, I expect Barcelona to win this match. But a draw is not absolutely out of the possibility for this match. The thing is if Barcelona can score, and if the attacking lineup of Barcelona can perform confidently, they are going to win. Otherwise, it will probably be a draw. I definitely do not expect this match to be a goalless draw. I think the deadlock is going to be broken at some point.