Hansi Flick’s Barcelona will be looking to return to winning ways when they host Alaves on Saturday afternoon.
Barcelona will have the chance to make it four wins in a row in La Liga when they welcome Alaves to the refurbished Spotify Camp Nou. While their domestic form has been sensational, the Catalan giants are heading into this fixture on the back of a hammering in the Champions League. As a result, they will be looking for a statement win.
The home team are only a point behind league leaders Real Madrid, after the team in white dropped points in their last two league outings. The reigning La Liga champions have bounced back in sensational fashion since losing to Xabi Alonso’s men.
The Blaugrana have won each of their last three league outings, including a sensational 4-0 win over Athletic Club on their return to Camp Nou last time out. However, they are heading into this fixture on the back of a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League. It was a very disappointing result for Barcelona, and they will be eager to get back on track here.
Meanwhile, the visitors are 14th on the table with 15 points in their 13 outings. While they are four points clear of the drop zone, Alaves have only won one out of their last five league games, which certainly doesn’t help their cause.
The Basque outfit are heading into this fixture on the back of a 1-0 defeats at the hands of Girona and Celta Vigo. Given their current form, going up against defending champions Barcelona certainly won’t be easy for them. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could deploy.
Team News & Tactics
Barcelona
Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Gavi remain on the sidelines for the home side, but there are high chances of Pedri making the squad for this fixture. Fermin Lopez is also out of this game because of a muscular issue.
Hansi Flick will stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, where Joan Garcia will be in goal. Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde will be the full-backs, while Eric Garcia should pair up with Pau Cubarsi in the heart of the defence.
As for the midfield unit, Pedri could form the double pivot with Frenkie de Jong in the centre of the park. The duo will look to shield the backline and control the tempo of the game.
Lamine Yamal and Marcus Rashford should feature on the flanks, while Dani Olmo will take up the number ten role. Finally, Ferran Torres will likely lead the line for Barcelona against Deportivo Alaves on Saturday.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Joan Garcia; Kounde, Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Balde; de Jong, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Rashford; Torres
Barcelona vs Alaves Predicted XI
Alaves
The visitors remain without Facundo Garces, who is serving a lengthy suspension, and Nikola Maras, who is recovering from a serious knee injury. Meanwhile, Calebe will be assessed ahead of kick-off to determine his availability.
Alaves will line up in a 4-4-2 formation, where Antonio Sivera will feature in goal. In the heart of the defence, Nahuel Tenaglia will partner with Jon Pacheco. The duo will receive significant support from Jonny Otto and Youssef Enriquez, who will feature as full-backs.
As for the midfield unit, Carlos Vicente and Carles Alena will feature out wide on the flanks, while Antonio Blanco and Denis Suarez will take up a more central role in the centre of the park. The midfield quartet will certainly have a lot of defending to do. Finally, Toni Martinez will start alongside Lucas Boye in the strike partnership.
Probable Lineup (4-4-2): Sivera; Otto, Tenaglia, Pacheco, Yusi; Vicente, Blanco, Suarez, Alena; Martinez, Boye
Barcelona vs Alaves Predicted XI
Key Stats
Barcelona will be looking for their fourth straight win in the league.
The Catalan giants secured a 1-0 win in the corresponding fixture last season.
Alaves have suffered defeat in each of their last five league games against Barcelona
Hansi Flick’s men have won 35 out of their last 49 games against the away team.
Alaves last avoided a defeat against Barcelona back in October 2021.
Player to Watch
Ferran Torres
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While Torres did not start in the game against Chelsea, he is expected to feature from the first whistle in this fixture. The 25-year-old has made the most out of all the opportunities he has had, and he will be eager to make it count yet again.
So far, the Spanish international has been involved in 16 matches across competitions, and he has contributed towards 10 goals. Having bagged a brace at Camp Nou last time out, the Spanish international will certainly be confident about making it count against Alaves.
Prediction
Barcelona 3-0 Deportivo Alaves
Barcelona will head into this fixture determined to produce an immediate response after their disappointing UEFA Champions League defeat, and with their recent domestic form, they should have more than enough to get the job done at Camp Nou.
Alaves, on the other hand, arrive in Catalonia low on confidence after consecutive defeats and just one win in their last five league games. Their defensive organisation will be crucial if they are to stay competitive, but facing a Barcelona side looking to make a statement at home is a daunting task. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-0 win for the home team.