Two clubs in the top half of the Spanish Liga table will do battle today in a league match between Villarreal and Barcelona. The first-division clash scheduled for 3 p.m. ET will be held at the Estadio El Madrigal in Villarreal and can be live streamed here free.
With the possibility of finishing the season without a trophy, Barcelona manager Tata Martino is willing to take full responsibility for any shortcomings in Catalonia, Spain (h/t to Goal). "I'm very demanding of myself," Martino said. "I came to a team that normally wins and when I came to the team, it has stopped winning."
"I see this as my responsibility."
Martino also revealed his encouragement with the recent play of his star Lionel Messi.
"It gives me great pleasure to see Messi respond as he does," he added.
"He does not fight back with his mouth; he does it with his football. For every 100 games, he plays well in 99 of them."
Will today be one of the few instances Messi plays poorly, or will he continue his recent form? Tell us @SportsWN
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Barcelona's Marc Bartra will be tested in the club's visit to Villarreal this afternoon. The 23-year-old is dribbled on nearly once per match this season and only averages 3.8 clearances.
Villarreal's Projected Lineup (4-4-2): Asenjo; Costa, Pantic, Musacchio, Mario; Cani, Bruno, Pina, Oliver; Santos, Perbet
Barcelona's Projected Lineup (4-3-3): Pinto; Adriano, Mascherano, Bartra, Alves; Iniesta, Busquets, Xavi; Pedro, Messi, Sanchez
(h/t to WhoScored)
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