Barcelona manager Hansi Flick likely to repeat defensive setup against Villa
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 2, 2026, 8:00 AM
Last updated Nov 2, 2026
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick may once again deploy Frenkie de Jong and Brian Farinas in unconventional defensive roles as the team hosts Aston Villa in the Champions League on November 3. This decision follows a successful 6-1 victory over Alaves, where a makeshift defense was necessary due to several injuries, including key players like Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen. De Jong played at left center-back while Farinas made his first-team debut at right-back. The upcoming match against Aston Villa presents a different level of challenge for this experimental setup, and Flick must now consider whether to stick with this lineup or make adjustments for improved balance.
- •Frenkie de Jong and Brian Farinas may start in defense vs. Aston Villa.
- •Barcelona won 6-1 against Alaves using a makeshift defensive lineup.
- •Injuries have left Barcelona short on defensive options.
- •Aston Villa's match poses a tougher test for the experimental defense.
- •Farinas starts amid heavy midfield competition for playing time.
- 8:00 AMYahoo Sports — Versatile Barcelona defender ‘practically ruled out’ of Aston Villa Champions League clash
- 8:00 AMYahoo Sports — How will Barcelona line up against Aston Villa?
- 7:20 AMYahoo Sports — Hansi Flick set to repeat Barcelona defensive experiment against Aston Villa – report
"Barcelona manager Hansi Flick could once again turn to Frenkie de Jong and Brian Farinas in unfamiliar defensive roles when the Catalans host Aston Villa in the Champions League on Tuesday, November 3...
"Barcelona are unlikely to have Jules Kounde available for Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Aston Villa, leaving Hansi Flick with another defensive selection problem. According to AS, th...
"Hansi Flick’s possible XI for Tuesday’s clash
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsNov 2, 2026, 8:00 AMVersatile Barcelona defender ‘practically ruled out’ of Aston Villa Champions League clash
Barcelona are unlikely to have Jules Kounde available for Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Aston Villa, leaving Hansi Flick with another defensive selection problem. According to AS, th...
- Yahoo SportsNov 2, 2026, 8:00 AMHow will Barcelona line up against Aston Villa?
Hansi Flick’s possible XI for Tuesday’s clash
- Yahoo SportsNov 2, 2026, 7:20 AMHansi Flick set to repeat Barcelona defensive experiment against Aston Villa – report
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick could once again turn to Frenkie de Jong and Brian Farinas in unfamiliar defensive roles when the Catalans host Aston Villa in the Champions League on Tuesday, November 3...
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