Aston Villa are set to return to Champions League duty later on Tuesday night when they take on the formidable Barcelona, looking to maintain their 100% record.
The Villans have had a mixed start to life in the Premier League this season, and were held to a 1-1 draw with Fulham this past weekend in a game where they looked flat and off their game. But in Europe, their form this season has seen them be unstoppable, winning three out of three, including a 6-0 win over Fenerbahce.
Now Unai Emery's side will travel to Spain to face a Barcelona side who have won 10 out of their 11 games in La Liga this season, scoring 46 goals in the process, and have world-class talent like Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Rodri at their disposal.
Villa have always been one of the teams who raise their levels when taking on top opposition, and that's because of the way Emery sets his teams up. They're always compact, always work very hard defensively, and are always efficient when going forward.
The Spaniard is also one of the most meticulous managers in the game, and he likes to watch footage and work out different game plans for each match to be able to give his side the best opportunities to get a result. Against Barcelona, there is one attribute of Hansi Flick's team in particular that he will feel as though he can exploit.
The German manager is someone who plays the same style in every game, without fail, and regardless of the opposition. Barcelona are known for their possession football and high press, but under Flick they have gone one step further by playing an incredibly high defensive line.
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That defensive line allows them to squeeze high up the pitch and win the ball back quickly, but it also leaves them susceptible to counterattacks with the right movement, passing moves, and ability.
The Villa attack that Emery seems to prefer at the moment isn't the quickest. Johan Manzambi can carry the ball well, while John McGinn is in the team for his work rate and leadership more than his pace. Alysson is rapid but still trying to refine his game and clean up his end product, and Emery must consider if they are the best trio to support Nicolas Jackson.
When looking at the squad, there is one name who stands out more than others when it comes to off the ball movement and creating opportunities for himself with it, and that is Alejandro Garnacho.
Key Events Timeline
June 2026 — Chelsea made Garnacho available for sale after a disappointing debut season.
July 2026 — Joined Aston Villa on season-long loan carrying a conditional obligation to buy.
August 2026 — Left bloodied in Thailand friendly, then missed Super Cup through concussion protocols.
September 2026 — Emery benched him in the cup, saying the winger was behind physically.
October 2026 — Remained a substitute, having managed just 32 minutes under Emery.
Garnacho Could Be a Gamechanger for Villa
REUTERS/Dylan Martinez
Garnacho's time at Aston Villa so far has been nothing short of a nightmare, having fallen way down the pecking order since his arrival from Chelsea on a season-long loan in the summer.
But Emery admitted that during the last international break the Argentina international had made some big strides tactically and physically, and he insisted that he continued to rate the winger and wanted him as part of his squad.
He is yet to start a game since then, but a game against Barcelona could be perfect for him to finally get that chance. During his time at Man Utd he was always someone who thrived in the big games, and he isn't someone who is afraid to take a shot or try and make things happen.
With his pace and movement, he could be the perfect outlet for the team at the Nou Camp, and the perfect antidote to the Barcelona high line. Barcelona won't be expecting his inclusion, and he could be the perfect secret weapon to unleash to maintain the 100% record in the competition.
Zion Suzuki
Zion Suzuki