It has been a month of change for Barcelona. A humiliating 1-0 defeat at the hands of Real Sociedad in their first game of 2015 resulted in Andoni Zubizarreta's sacking. Barca were labelled as a club experiencing a "crisis". Since then, Luis Enrique has seemingly turned his side's forturnes around.
The hosts have gone on to win seven games on the trot, conceding just three goals in the process. Lucho's side have scored a remarkable 26 goals from those seven games, with six of those goals coming in their last league win, against Elche.
One key aspect of Barca's recent success is that of stability. Recently Lucho has been selecting largely the same starting eleven, week in, week out. A midfield three of Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Ivan Rakitic has linked well with the formidable attacking trio of Neymar, Suarez and Messi. Seemingly, Luis Enrique has established the perfect and dynamic balance required.
The rejuvination of Messi has also played a pivotal role in Barca's revival. After the Real Sociedad loss, rumours were flying around of Messi's unhappiness at the club and how he is seeking a move away from Spain. Luis Enrique has been able to turn his fortunes around, having moved him to the right-wing to accomodate Suarez in the centre. Since switching out wide, Messi has scored eight goals and assisted a further five for his teammates.
However, it certainly won't be a straightforward game for the hosts. Villarreal are by no means easy opposition, with the visitors unbeaten in 18 matches, stretching back to their Europa League defeat to FC Zurich nearly three month ago.
Marcelino's side will be aiming to exploit Barcelona's defensive frailties. The impressive attacking threat of Denis Cheryshev, Luciano Vietto and Giovani Dos Santos among others, will be seeking to cause numerous problems for the host's back line. Villarreal will also be boosted by the arrival of Joel Campbell, who arrived on loan as part of the Gabriel transfer to Arsenal.
The match also seems destined for goals as the visitors have scored at least once in their last 25 games, including an incredible victory away at the Calderon as they beat the current champions, Atletico, 1-0.