Barcelona’s fragile defence will be tested by Aston Villa’s perfect Champions League start

Villa’s three wins all came in the Champions League

Aston Villa have nine points from three Champions League matches and sit second in the league-phase table. Their latest European result was a 3-1 home win over Viking, while Barcelona are eighth with six points after losing 4-2 away to Paris Saint-Germain.

The teams had different domestic results before this match. Barcelona beat Alaves 6-1 on 31 October, but Villa drew 1-1 with Fulham after John McGinn missed a penalty and goalkeeper Zion Suzuki scored an own goal.

Barcelona must protect an improvised back line

The match is scheduled for 3 November at the Camp Nou. UEFA lists Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia, Xavi Espart and Jules Kounde among Barcelona’s injured defenders, leaving Hansi Flick with few options to partner Pau Cubarsi.

Barcelona have conceded in each of their last 18 Champions League matches. Villa can test that weakness through Nicolas Jackson’s movement, John McGinn’s passing and quick attacks into the space behind the full-backs.

Yamal can set a teenage scoring record

Yamal has 13 goals in the Champions League proper before the age of 20, level with Kylian Mbappe’s record. His next goal would give the Barcelona winger the record outright, but Villa’s defensive plan will be built around limiting his one-against-one opportunities.

The visitors have won only once in eight European away games in Spain. Their current form is stronger than that history suggests, so Barcelona cannot treat this as a straightforward home match. The team that reacts better after losing the ball is more likely to create the better chances in this game.