Farinas and Gordon Could Start in a 4-2-3-1: Barcelona’s Predicted Lineup Against Aston Villa
Barcelona return to UEFA Champions League action on Tuesday, November 3, when they welcome Aston Villa to Spotify Camp Nou.
Hansi Flick’s side will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and strengthen their position in the league phase standings. Barcelona currently sit eighth with six points, three behind Unai Emery’s visitors, making the encounter particularly important.
However, the Catalans face the challenge with several defensive players unavailable. Their defensive record in Europe has also raised concerns, with the team having conceded in each of their last 18 Champions League matches.
Flick will therefore need to make careful selection decisions as he attempts to balance defensive stability with the attacking quality required to overcome Aston Villa.
Changes are expected at the back, while the midfield and attacking departments could retain much of the continuity established in the recent victory over Alaves.
Defence: Farinas and Gerard Martin Could Feature
Joan Garcia is expected to retain his place in goal, with little indication that Flick intends to make a change between the posts.
The bigger questions concern the defensive line. Injuries to Eric Garcia, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen and Xavi Espart have significantly reduced Barcelona’s options.
One possible solution would see Brian Farinas start at right-back, with Joao Cancelo operating on the opposite flank. Pau Cubarsi and Gerard Martin could then form the central defensive partnership.
Martin’s inclusion would represent an important opportunity for the youngster, who came on as a second-half substitute against Alaves.
Frenkie de Jong featured at centre-back during that match, but with the Dutchman expected to return to his preferred midfield role, Flick could restore Martin to the defensive unit.
Farinas, meanwhile, could be rewarded for his encouraging performance against Alaves, particularly his understanding with Lamine Yamal on the right flank.
Midfield: Fermin Lopez Set to Retain His Place
Barcelona’s midfield selection appears more straightforward.
Fermin Lopez is expected to keep his place after an outstanding performance against Alaves, during which he scored once and provided two assists.
Dani Olmo’s absence further strengthens the midfielder’s chances of starting against Aston Villa.
Fermin’s ability to make forward runs, arrive inside the penalty area and contribute directly to goals could be particularly valuable against an organised defence.
Pedri and Rodri are also expected to feature, giving Flick a combination of technical quality, creativity and control in central areas.
Pedri’s workload will nevertheless be worth monitoring after he was substituted at half-time during the previous league fixture.
Flick has alternatives in Gavi and Marc Bernal, but changing a midfield combination that performed so well against Alaves may not be his preferred approach.
Attack: Anthony Gordon Could Return to the Starting XI
The most interesting attacking selection decision concerns the left wing.
Anthony Gordon could be handed a starting opportunity after coming off the bench against Alaves. The winger is expected to compete for a place alongside Raphinha and Lamine Yamal in Barcelona’s forward line.
Yamal heads into the Champions League fixture after scoring twice against Alaves, once again demonstrating his importance to the team's attacking plans.
Raphinha’s intensity, movement and ability to create opportunities should complement the teenager’s creativity on the opposite side.
Gordon, meanwhile, would provide pace, direct running and another option for stretching Aston Villa’s defensive line.
His potential inclusion could mean Karim Adeyemi drops to the bench following his substitution against Alaves.
Flick will need his attacking players to be sharp against an Aston Villa side managed by Emery, whose teams are known for their organisation and tactical discipline.
Barcelona’s Predicted Starting XI Against Aston Villa
Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia
Defence: Brian Farinas, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, Joao Cancelo
Midfield: Rodri, Pedri
Attacking midfield: Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Anthony Gordon
Striker: Raphinha
With several defensive absences and important decisions to make in attack, Flick’s selection will be crucial. Barcelona will hope the proposed combination can provide enough defensive stability while allowing their attacking players to make the difference against Aston Villa.