Matt Jones and the rest of the Sport360 team will be in place throughout today to bring you all the latest Barca news, views and gossip.
23:20 Barcelona battle to 2-0 win
Gerard Pique and Carles Alena got the goals as Barcelona beat Villarreal in a hard-fought game at the Nou Camp.
Pique’s first-half header put Barca in front, but the hosts were on the back foot for much of the rest of the game as Villarreal looked for an equaliser.
Alena, on as a substitute, wrapped up the points with a sumptuous goal at the death, his first La Liga goal for Barcelona.
20:50 – Denis Suarez looking to fight for first-team place
Denis Suarez has been linked with a move away from Barcelona having not made a La Liga appearance all season, with Chelsea known to be admirers of the midfielder.
However, the 24-year-old is convinced he can fight for his first-team place.
More on that story here.
20:30 – Unchanged XI for Barcelona against Villarreal
Ernesto Valverde named an unchanged XI from the side that beat PSV in midweek, with Lionel Messi continuing as a false nine.
La Blaugrana will go top of La Liga with a win, at least until league leaders’ Sevilla’s fixture later on Sunday.
See Barcelona’s full XI here.
13:00 – Valverde unsure about signing Umtiti replacement
Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde is unsure about whether or not he will dip into the transfer market to sign defensive cover for Samuel Umtiti in January.
The centre-back will miss the next few weeks of action with a persistent knee problem, although the Frenchman has decided against surgery and will instead follow a conservative treatment plan after discussions with Blaugrana medical staff.
Read what the boss has been saying about the January market here.
10:00 – Barcelona announce squad for Villarreal clash
07:00 – Ernesto Valverde remains tight lipped on fitness of midfielder
Barcelona manager Ernesto Valverde said the upcoming match against Villarreal at Camp Nou is “fundamental” as his side look to retake top spot in La Liga.
Barcelona, who are without a league win in two games, are currently second in the table, one point behind leaders Sevilla, despite having scored more goals and lost fewer games than the top-placed team.
Read on for more from the Blaugrana boss.
