Markets
Key factors
- ▼Starter out · BarcelonaBAR
Right-back Xavi Espart, a recent starter, is out with an ankle injury from the Clásico.
- ▼Starter out · BarcelonaBAR
Dani Olmo is out with an adductor injury and misses this game; known since 21 October, so half weight.
- ▼Starter out · BarcelonaBAR
First-choice right-back Jules Koundé was listed by Flick among the absent defenders after the Alavés game; his ankle injury dates from mid-October, so half weight.
- ▼Starter out · Aston VillaAST
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Villa's stand-in left-back, is out with a hamstring injury; known since 20 October, so half weight.
- ▼Rodri outBAR
Minor right hamstring injury confirmed by club tests; ruled out of the trip to Atletico, with the home game against Villarreal on 22 Nov his next possible return.
- ▲Trained on 4 Nov ahead of the Atletico trip and is closing in on a return, easing the defensive injury problems.BAR
Trained on 4 Nov ahead of the Atletico trip and is closing in on a return, easing the defensive injury problems.
- ▲Trained on 4 Nov ahead of the Atletico trip and is closing in on a return, easing the defensive injury problems.BAR
Trained on 4 Nov ahead of the Atletico trip and is closing in on a return, easing the defensive injury problems.
- ▼Rodri doubtfulBAR
Rodri was replaced with discomfort in the 3-0 win over Aston Villa; Flick said tests are due Thursday, ahead of Sunday at Atlético Madrid.
Preview
Aston Villa arrive second in the league phase with nine points from nine, while Barcelona sit eighth on six after a 4-2 defeat in Paris. Barça's attack is in full flow: they beat Alavés 6-1 on Saturday, with two goals each from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, and have scored 21 goals in their last six games. The problem is at the back. Hansi Flick has only four fit senior defenders, with Jules Koundé, Xavi Espart and Eric García all missing, and Dani Olmo is also out. Barcelona have conceded 10 goals in those same six games. Villa have their own gaps, with Amadou Onana and Aaron Wan-Bissaka out, but Unai Emery's side scored 13 in their last six and put six past Fenerbahçe in this competition. The home win price is too short for us at 1.29, even with Barça rated at 74%. Goals are the better angle: with a stretched Barcelona defence and two in-form attacks, we rate over 3.5 goals at 62%.
Barcelona score freely but are short of defenders, and Villa have the attack to punish them. Over 3.5 goals at 62% is our pick.
FAQ
Which Barcelona defenders are missing?
Jules Koundé, Xavi Espart and Eric García are all absent, leaving Flick with four fit senior defenders.
Why not back Barcelona to win?
We rate the home win highly, but the best price of 1.29 is below our 1.30 minimum.
How are Aston Villa doing in Europe?
They have won all three league-phase games and sit second on nine points.
What is the best bet for Barcelona vs Aston Villa?
Our top pick is Over 3.5 goals at odds of 1.55, rated 62% confidence. No bet is ever sure.
Will there be over 2.5 goals?
We put the chance of three or more goals at 79% for this match.
When does Barcelona vs Aston Villa kick off?
Tue 03 Nov, 20:00 UTC.

