Barcelona v Aston Villa: Probable line-ups for Champions League league-phase clash

Barcelona will look to recover from their latest European setback when they host Aston Villa on Tuesday at 20:00 GMT in the fourth round of the Champions League league phase.

Hansi Flick is expected to retain Barcelona’s familiar 4-3-3 formation, with Joan Garcia starting in goal. The Catalan side’s midfield is likely to be built around Pedri, Gavi and Fermin Lopez, with the trio tasked with controlling the tempo of the match.

Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are expected to provide width in attack, while Karim Adeyemi could complete the front three. Barcelona’s probable defensive selection includes Joao Cancelo, Pau Cubarsi and Alejandro Balde, with Alejandro Balde also appearing a second time in the published team list.

Barcelona’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia

Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde, Alejandro Balde

Midfielders: Pedri, Gavi, Fermin Lopez

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Karim Adeyemi

The match will give Barcelona an opportunity to respond after their most recent disappointing result in European competition. Their expected system is designed to provide an attacking threat through the pace and movement of the front three, while Pedri and Fermin Lopez are set to play important roles in possession.

Aston Villa are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Unai Emery. The English side’s approach should centre on a double pivot in midfield, protecting the central areas and providing a platform for the attacking players to move forward.

Boubacar Kamara and Joao Gomes are named as the two deeper midfielders in the probable line-up. Ahead of them, John McGinn, Johan Manzambi and Emiliano Buendia are expected to support Nicolas Jackson, who could lead the Villa attack.

The visitors’ projected defence consists of Matty Cash, Victor Lindelof, Pau Torres and Ian Maatsen, with Zion Suzuki listed as the goalkeeper.

Aston Villa’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Zion Suzuki

Defenders: Matty Cash, Victor Lindelof, Pau Torres, Ian Maatsen

Midfielders: Boubacar Kamara, Joao Gomes, John McGinn, Johan Manzambi, Emiliano Buendia

Forward: Nicolas Jackson

Barcelona and Aston Villa will meet in the fourth matchday of the Champions League league phase. The published 1xbet odds make Barcelona the favourites at 1.23, while a draw is priced at 6.80 and an Aston Villa victory at 11.1.