Barcelona look to return to winning ways in the Champions League as the Catalans face a very tough test against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa in a huge League Phase clash at Camp Nou.
Here’s how we think Hansi Flick will line up his troops for Tuesday’s battle:
Barça had the win wrapped up by halftime of the weekend clash with Alavés and Flick was able to rest most of his big names throughout the game, so we are expecting the strongest available side for a very tough continental test.
Brian Fariñas was Flick’s choice for the right-back position given all the injuries, and with Jules Kounde’s status still unclear we think the 20-year-old will once again be trusted to play as a full-back, with João Cancelo at left-back ahead of Alejandro Balde.
Frenkie de Jong had a strong outing as a center-back but that seemed to be a way for Flick to give Gerard Martín some much-needed rest after a tough stretch of games, and we think Maldini will be back in the lineup as Pau Cubarsí’s center-back partner for this one.
Midfield
Barça’s midfield looked back to its best at the weekend and Fermín López and Pedri were wonderful on the night, with Rodri playing 90 easy minutes and able to rest on the pitch for large parts. They will be the starting trio against Villa, with De Jong back on the bench and Gavi struggling for minutes at the moment.
Attack
No doubts at all about the front three for this one: Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Anthony Gordon all scored at the weekend and will be looking for another strong attacking display against a very good Villa defense.
Possible XI: Joan; Fariñas, Cubarsí, Martín, Cancelo; Fermín, Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Raphinha, Gordon (4-3-3).
