Unai Emery returns to Spain as Aston Villa visits the Camp Nou.
BARCELONA v ASTON VILLA KEY MATCH DETAILS
| Fixture | Barcelona v Aston Villa |
|---|---|
| Competition | Champions League |
| Date | Tuesday, November 3 |
| Kick-off | 20:00 GMT |
| Venue | Camp Nou, Barcelona |
| Live on | TNT Sports 1 |
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BARCELONA v ASTON VILLA MATCH PREVIEW
Unai Emery continues to work wonders at Villa Park, with Aston Villa heading into this glamour Champions League clash sitting above Barcelona in the league phase standings.
Barcelona have been rampant both domestically and in Europe this season, but Villa have actually outscored the Catalan giants in this competition, netting 12 times compared to Barca’s impressive tally of 11. Emery’s side have also been more defensively sound in Europe, conceding just three goals in three games compared to Barcelona’s six.
Last season’s Europa League winners will now put their 100% Champions League record on the line against one of the leading contenders for the trophy. However, Hansi Flick’s side have suffered a couple of notable setbacks in recent weeks, losing 4-2 away to PSG before falling victim to a José Mourinho masterclass in El Clásico.
Barcelona responded in emphatic fashion at the weekend, however, putting Alaves to the sword with a six-goal haul in La Liga. Villa, meanwhile, endured a frustrating week, crashing out of the League Cup with a whimper against Bournemouth before dropping points at home to Fulham on Saturday, with a costly mistake from goalkeeper Sazuki proving decisive.
Despite their defeat in Paris, Barcelona offered plenty of reminders of why they are regarded as serious contenders for European football’s biggest prize. Having won 10 of their last 12 matches at this stage of the competition, Flick’s men will be confident of getting their Champions League campaign back on track on Tuesday night.
BARCELONA v ASTON VILLA TEAM NEWS
Barcelona will be without Dani Olmo, Andreas Christensen, Xavi Espart, Roony Bardghji, Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde through injury.
Aston Villa also have several players sidelined, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Matteo Ruggeri and Amadou Onana all long-term absentees. However, Unai Emery has an otherwise healthy squad to choose from.
BARCELONA v ASTON VILLA H2H RECORD
The four previous meetings between these sides all took place more than 40 years ago, with Barcelona holding the historical edge (W2, D1, L1).
The Catalan giants also boast an impressive record against English opposition, remaining unbeaten in their last 15 home matches (W10, D5). Villa, meanwhile, have lost their last three European encounters against Spanish sides.
BARCELONA v ASTON VILLA PREDICTED LINEUPS
Barcelona XI (Predicted): Garcia; Cancelo, Martin, Cubarsi, Balde; Pedri, Rodri; Yamal, Lopez, Gordon; Raphinha.
Aston Villa XI (Predicted): Suzuki; Cash, Lindelof, Torres, Maatsen; Kamara, Goretzka; McGinn, Manzambi, Buendia; Jackson.
BARCELONA v ASTON VILLA PLAYERS TO WATCH
Although Lamine Yamal missed out on the Ballon d’Or last Monday, the Barcelona teenager is doing everything in his power to prove that he is the best player in world football.
His numbers this season have been extraordinary, with 12 goals and 11 assists in just 14 appearances for the Catalan giants, underlining his influence in both the final third and the build-up play.
Yamal has also been a creative force in Europe, with only Lens’ Florian Thauvin creating more chances than his 13 across the opening three matchdays of the Champions League. He is far from Barcelona’s only attacking threat, either, with Raphinha already boasting 17 goals this season and finding the net in six of the club’s seven home fixtures.
Lamine Yamal to score the first goal on Tuesday night is available online at a boosted price of 9/2.
Speaking of the Ballon d’Or, Nicolas Jackson had to play second fiddle to Harry Kane at Bayern Munich last season, but the former Chelsea striker is thriving back in a more central role at Aston Villa. The Senegal international has netted eight times in just 12 Villa outings, including scoring three times in three UCL appearances.
BARCELONA v ASTON VILLA PREDICTION & BETTING TIPS
Aston Villa have found the net in 10 of their last 11 matches and should carry enough attacking threat to trouble Barcelona. However, the hosts’ formidable firepower could ultimately prove decisive.
There is certainly potential for an entertaining encounter. Barcelona have conceded the opening goal in nine of their last 12 Champions League matches, while Nicolas Jackson is brimming with confidence heading into the contest. Furthermore, Barcelona’s last 18 league phase fixtures have produced an extraordinary average of 5.06 goals per game, suggesting there could be plenty of action at both ends on Tuesday night.
BEST BET: Barcelona to win & BTTS (EVS)
Barcelona v Aston Villa: Kick-Off Time, TV & Betting Odds
When is Barcelona v Aston Villa?
The Champions League meeting between Barcelona and Aston Villa is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, with a kick-off time of 20:00.
Where is Barcelona v Aston Villa being played?
The two sides will meet at Camp Nou, home of Barcelona.
What channel is Barcelona v Aston Villa on?
UK and Irish viewers can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1 or Virgin Media Two.
What are the odds for Barcelona v Aston Villa?
Barcelona 2/9, Aston Villa 41/5, the draw 28/5. Full markets.
