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Despite citing fatigue as a contributing factor in Barcelona's Clásico loss to Real Madrid, Hansi Flick chose not to make sweeping changes against a struggling Deportivo Alavés on Saturday.
With Barça's key players on the pitch, the outcome was never in doubt. The defending La Liga champions reclaimed first place from Atlético Madrid by hammering their opponents 6–1.
A renewed sense of momentum has been established ahead of a crucial week. Before Barça face Atléti in a high-stakes domestic showdown, they host Aston Villa at Camp Nou on Matchday 4 of the league phase.
While these fixtures don't always carry high stakes, the hosts will be eager to avoid consecutive defeats and dropping out of the top eight, particularly with upcoming matches against Manchester City, Sporting CP, and Como still to come.
Here's how Barcelona could set up for Tuesday's Champions League fixture.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)
GK: Joan García—García's outstanding efforts weren't enough to spare Barcelona in Paris on Matchday 2, and the Spaniard will face another stern test against Aston Villa's direct attacking play spearheaded by the in-form Nicolas Jackson.
RB: João Cancelo—The Portuguese fullback tends to thrive on the left side, but defensive injury concerns may push Cancelo into a right-back role.
CB: Pau Cubarsí—As Flick reshuffles his defensive options, Cubarsí continues to be a reliable fixture in the backline.
CB: Frenkie de Jong—Reports from Spain indicate Flick may persist with De Jong at center back following the Dutchman's defensive outing against Alavés. He has prior experience in the role from his early days at Ajax, though he has only filled it occasionally since then.
LB: Gerard Martín—Martín first established himself in the first team as a left back, and while he appears more at ease in a central role, injury absences could prompt Flick to reposition the tall defender out wide.
CM: Rodri—He likely didn't require a full 90 minutes at the weekend given his current physical state. Nevertheless, Rodri is a near-certain starter against familiar opposition on Tuesday.
Pick Your Barcelona XI!
CM: Pedri—Pedri responded well after a couple of difficult performances at the weekend, and he'll be expected to step up in ways he couldn't against PSG and Real Madrid on Tuesday evening.
RW: Lamine Yamal—The teenage sensation tops the competition with four assists in three matches, while Lens' Florian Thauvin (15) is the only player to have created more chances than the Barcelona star (13).
AM: Fermín López—The dynamic midfielder made his mark in Barça's weekend demolition by netting the second goal, and unless Flick opts to bring Gavi into the midfield mix, López looks set to keep his place.
LW: Anthony Gordon—Gordon needed that moment. His composed finish late in Saturday's commanding win was the Englishman's first goal in four appearances, and Flick should allow him to build on that confidence here. He has only found the net once against Villa in 12 outings.
ST: Raphinha—17 goals in 12 appearances this season. Move over Lamine Yamal; it's Raphinha who has his sights set on the 2027 Ballon d'Or.