Barcelona host Europa League holders Aston Villa on Tuesday as the UEFA Champions League’s League Phase hits the halfway point.
The Villans are second in the League Phase table on nine points, while Barcelona are eighth and three points behind the visitors.
Barcelona vs. Aston Villa betting picks and predictions
Barcelona to win and both teams to score (+100)
Barcelona had a rude awakening after starting the season with an 11-game winning streak, as they suffered back-to-back defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
Those losses have left tough questions for a Barcelona side that is bidding to end a 12-year wait to reclaim the European Cup. The Catalans did bounce back in the league over the weekend, as they thumped Alaves 6-1 to stay top of the table in La Liga.
Up next for Barca is an Aston Villa side that has made a perfect start in this season's Champions League. The Europa League winners are one of only five teams to win all three League Phase matches so far.
Villa's summer overhaul led to a rough start to the season, as they failed to win their first four matches and drew a blank across their opening three Premier League matches. However, they have improved over the last two months, scoring in 10 of their last 11 outings.
Despite their improved form and a fine record in Europe, Villa look out of their depth in this clash. Barcelona are among a handful of sides that look capable of going all the way in this competition, largely due to their attacking firepower. Barca have scored 57 times in 14 games this term, and they can outgun the Villans.
The hosts have struggled for clean sheets all season, so the best way to get behind them is to back a home win and both teams to score.
Nicolas Jackson to score anytime (+225)
Despite all of Barcelona’s attacking talent, Villa forward Nicolas Jackson jumps out in the goalscorer market. Barca’s Achilles heel under Hansi Flick has been their high defensive line, and Jackson’s pace should cause them all kinds of problems.
Jackson’s reunion with Emery, his former boss at Villarreal, has worked brilliantly so far. The forward has scored six goals across his last six games, and he’s already struck three times in the Champions League this season.
His brace against Manchester City was his strongest display yet, but a goal in the Nou Camp could be an even bigger landmark for the summer signing.
This Barca side is without a clean sheet in five, and Jackson will get plenty of space to run into if Villa can find him. Given how well he’s adjusted to his new side, the forward stands out at +225 to score anytime, while he’s +1800 to score two or more.
Lamine Yamal to make an assist (+150)
Lamine Yamal has four assists for Barcelona in the Champions League this term, and he took his assist tally to 11 for the season over the weekend.
Yamal scored twice and set up another in the victory against Alaves. His 11 assists this term have come in his last 11 appearances, and he’s also scored eight times in that run. While he didn’t hit his usual heights in Barca’s two defeats, the winger should bounce back here.
Left-back isn’t an overwhelming strength for Villa, and it’s hard for any side to contain Yamal when he’s on form. The winger is priced at +150 to record his fifth Champions League assist this term, while you can combine that with him to score anytime for a +340 same-game parlay.
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Barcelona vs. Aston Villa odds
Barcelona | -400 |
Tie | +650 |
Aston Villa | +700 |
Barcelona vs. Aston Villa player props
Anytime Goalscorer
Raphinha (Barcelona) | -175 |
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) | -125 |
Anthony Gordon (Barcelona) | +100 |
Fermin Lopez (Barcelona) | +137 |
Nicolas Jackson (Aston Villa) | +225 |
Johan Manzambi (Aston Villa) | +260 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
