Match Overview
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona are eager to keep their winning run going when they host relegation-threatened Deportivo Alaves. With the league leaders Real Madrid hot on their trail, the Catalan giants must win to stop Madrid from extending their lead. Currently third in the table with 42 points from 21 games, Barcelona are seven points behind the top spot.
Last week, Barcelona ended a winless run in La Liga with a strong victory over Valencia. However, their Champions League draw against Atalanta meant they missed a chance to lead the league. On the other hand, Deportivo Alaves are struggling to stay clear of the relegation zone, having picked up only 21 points so far. With just one win in their last seven league games, Alaves must step up to avoid a relegation battle.
Team News & Tactics
Barcelona
Barcelona have some key players unavailable for this game. They will miss Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Andreas Christensen, Dani Olmo, and Marc Bernal. On a positive note, Inigo Martinez is close to a return. Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is expected to start, and there might be a few changes as Pau Cubarsi and March Casado are likely in the lineup.
The Blaugrana are set to stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation:
- Goalkeeper: Szczesny
- Defenders: Jules Kounde (right-back), Ronald Araujo, and Pau Cubarsi (central defense), with Alejandro Balde on the left
- Midfield: March Casado will team up with Pedri to control the center
- Attack: Gavi will take the attacking midfield role, with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the wings and Robert Lewandowski leading the line
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski
Deportivo Alaves
Deportivo Alaves have a few issues of their own. Antonio Sivera is injured, and Abdel Abqar is suspended after picking up a yellow card in the last match. Antonio Blanco is back after serving his suspension.
Alaves are also expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation:
- Goalkeeper: Jesus Owono
- Defenders: Nahuel Tenaglia and Manu Sanchez on the flanks, with Santiago Mourino and Moussa Diarra as the center-backs
- Midfield: Ander Guevara and Carlos Protesoni will form a double pivot
- Attack: Jon Guridi will be the main creator, supported by Carlos Vicente and Tomas Conechny on the wings, with Kike Garcia leading the attack
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Owono; Tenaglia, Mourino, Diarra, Manu Sanchez; Guevara, Protesoni; Vicente, Guridi, Conechny; Kike Garcia
Key Stats
- Deportivo Alaves have won only one out of their last seven league games.
- Barcelona have managed only two wins since the start of November (2 wins in 9 league games).
- Alaves last beat Barcelona away in the 2016/17 season.
- The visitors have lost their last four encounters with Barcelona, including a 3-0 defeat in the reverse fixture.
- Despite recent struggles, Alaves remain unbeaten in their last three away league matches.
Player to Watch
Raphinha
The Brazilian winger is having a dream season, scoring 23 goals and providing 13 assists in 32 games. As one of the top candidates for the Ballon d’Or, Raphinha knows he must help Barcelona win titles to secure the award. His performance against Deportivo Alaves will be crucial in Barcelona’s bid to continue their title challenge.
Barcelona vs Alaves Prediction
Barcelona are expected to take control of the game against a side fighting relegation. Given their recent form and the home advantage, we predict a comfortable win for the Catalan giants:
Barcelona 4-0 Deportivo Alaves
This match is a must-win for Barcelona, as they aim to keep close in the title race.
Barcelona vs Alaves Live Stream
Watch online via NaijaSport247 TV
