Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal set to face Aston Villa and Nicolas Jackson in UEFA Champions League

FC Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is expected to start against Aston Villa and Nicolas Jackson in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday evening, with both sides’ probable line-ups shaped by defensive absences.

Barcelona have several injury concerns ahead of the match. Jules Kounde is still working his way back to full competition, while Eric Garcia and Xavi Espart remain unavailable to the home side.

Aston Villa have no new injuries or suspensions to report, with Jackson arriving in good form. However, full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Matteo Ruggeri are absent, while Belgium international midfielder Amadou Onana has been sidelined since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament rupture this summer.

Probable line-ups

Barcelona are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with J. Garcia in goal. The defence is likely to comprise Cancelo, Cubarsi, Martin and Balde, with Rodri and Pedri in midfield.

Yamal, Fermin and Gordon are expected to operate behind Raphinha, who is likely to lead the attack.

FC Barcelona probable XI (4-2-3-1): J. Garcia; Cancelo, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Gordon; Raphinha.

Aston Villa are also expected to use a 4-2-3-1 system. Suzuki is set to start in goal, behind a back four of Cash, Lindelof, Torres and Maatsen.

Kamara and Gomes are likely to form the midfield pairing, with Alysson, Manzambi and McGinn supporting Jackson in attack.

Aston Villa probable XI (4-2-3-1): Suzuki; Cash, Lindelof, Torres, Maatsen; Kamara, Gomes; Alysson, Manzambi, McGinn; Jackson.