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"Yellow Submarine" Villarreal out to sink Barcelona in the Cup

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Morgan in the driving seat - Alsy previews Villarreal's trip to Barcelona for a well-poised second leg in the Spanish Cup

Villarreal are affectionately known as El Submarino Amarillo (The Yellow Submarine) because of their bright yellow uniforms. They cruise over to the Camp Nou Thursday night for a Copa del Ray quarter-final, second leg hoping to heap yet more pressure on their Catalan hosts. Despite drawing 0-0 in the first leg at El Madrigal this game is just the latest banana skin that Barcelona must circumnavigate to avoid another crisis.

'What crisis' you cry? Barcelona remains in the Champions League, the quarter-finals of the Copa del Ray and, with 44 La Liga points, have one more point than at this time last season. Barcelona also has the best defensive record in La Liga but still cannot shake accusations that all is not well because "success" is always relative... relative to Real Madrid.

Madrid are nine points above Barcelona in La Liga. Enjoying a run of eight consecutive victories, Bernd Schuster's side has the highest points total ever achieved since the League awarded three points for a win. They haven't dropped a single point at home, amassing 15 points more than this time last year despite the arrival of several new players and a new coach.

While Madrid defeated Villarreal 3-2 in a classic La Liga encounter, Barcelona could only manage a 1-1 draw against lowly Athletic Bilbao and is now looking over their shoulder as Villarreal close in on two fronts: La Liga and the Copa del Ray. Not for the first time this season, Ronaldinho is the central point of much discussion. After a month on the sidelines the Brazilian has resumed full training. That should spell danger for Villarreal but his form has been so erratic that Rijkaard has often benched him.

A month ago many thought Ronaldinho was Milan bound but nothing materialised. Now Barca fans will expect the brightest of their star players to prove his loyalty in the only way that really matters - on the pitch.

Barca justifiably remains favourite to progress to the semi-finals and the win is available at [1.59]. Messi is also fit and remains Barcelona's most potent offensive weapon this season. He's more likely to start, than Ronaldinho, alongside Henry in an attempt to inject some fluidity to their attacking play - the stale performance against Bilbao can not be repeated at home.

For their part, underdogs Villarreal should not be underestimated. Their wiley Chilean coach, Manuel Pellegrini, has created a formidable unit desperate to split the perennial dominance of Madrid and Barcelona. He's unlikely to succeed with his current resources but they are capable of delivering the odd bloody nose.

In Rossi and Nihat Villarreal does have players who can find the back of the net. In particular Nihat's form away from home remains very impressive. The Turkish striker did not feature earlier in the season but since returning from a serious knee injury he's bagged six goals on the road. Barcelona will have to watch him on the break with away goals a real danger for the home side.

A Villarreal victory is offered at [7.2] but I think that's an unlikely outcome. Their defense is experienced but certainly not watertight while even a stuttering Barcelona rarely fails to score at home. The draw at [4.2] is more appealing if you think Barcelona will have an off night.

With all the pressure resting squarely on the home side, Villarreal is more than capable of creating chances and scoring goals - remember that any score draw will be enough to scuttle Barcelona. You can get Villarreal at [5.9] to win the Copa del Ray which looks an attractive outside bet to me. It will not be easy but if Barcelona are defeated, I believe El Submarino Amarillo will cruise past any remaining opposition.

Have I dismissed Barcelona's chances too readily? Let me know if you think the Catalans will sweep Villarreal aside?