Villarreal vs Barcelona: LaLiga Santander is on the line

Barcelona have no margin for error when they face Villarreal at the Estadio de la Ceramica on Sunday night.

Quique Setien's side could be seven points off top spot by the time they kick off, with leaders Real Madrid taking on Athletic Club earlier on Sunday.

Whatever the result at San Mames, the Blaugrana need to pick up some points against a Villarreal side in the hunt for a Champions League place.

Barcelona come into this game needing to improve their form on the road, having drawn each of their last two away matches in LaLiga Santander at Sevilla and Celta Vigo.

There is plenty for Barcelona to contend with ahead of Sunday's clash, with results, style of play and dressing room atmosphere all concerns at the moment.

There is the uncertainty surrounding Lionel Messi's future, the unhappiness of Antoine Griezmann towards his role in the squad and the doubts over Setien's job security.

Another change of system

Setien is expected to revert back to a 4-3-3 formation against Villarreal after fielding a 4-4-2 system against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

That makes room for Griezmann, who has started three of the last four games on the bench, in the front three alongside Messi and Luis Suarez.

In-form Villarreal

Javi Calleja's side have emerged as strong contenders for a top four place this season following an exceptional run of results.

Since returning to action in June, the Yellow Submarine have won five out of their six matches - only Real Madrid have a better record in that time.

Villarreal want more, though, and a win over Barcelona - something they haven't achieved at home since the 2007/08 campaign - would take them into a Champions League spot ahead of Sevilla's game on Monday.

Such is the importance of the occasion, Calleja will name his strongest team to play Barcelona, with Santi Cazorla, Vicente Iborra, Samuel Chukwueze and Paco Alcacer all returning to the side.