The reigning La Liga champions Barcelona are romping towards their title defence as nobody looks in sight to bring them down this season. The Blaugrana went past Real Sociedad over the weekend by two goals to one, and they didn’t even look like coming out from their first gear. Next, they will travel to take on Alaves who sits 8th on the table.
Barcelona will look to keep their 9 point advantage on the top of the table. Rotation could very well be on Ernesto Valverde’s mind as after Tuesday; they play again on Sunday. After that, they play the all-important Champions League clash against Liverpool on Wednesday. However, the manager can’t think too far forward, and he should look to field a strong side again. Lionel Messi ran the show when the two teams met earlier last year as the Argentine scored a brace and Barcelona secured a comfortable 3-0 win at the Camp Nou.
Team News
Midfielder Rafinha is the only injury concern for the Barcelona manager. The Brazilian has been missing in action since November, but the good news is that he is nearing a return after the knee injury.
Barcelona predicted Lineup vs Alaves
Formation (4-3-3)
Defence
Marc Ander Ter Stegen is a nailed on started in goal for Barcelona. He should be shielded by the defensive pair of Samuel Umtiti and Gerard Pique. Clement Lenglet played the last encounter, so we expect him to be a given a breather in this mid week’s clash.
The ever-present Jordi Alba should operate from the left back role once again. The Spaniard should be high on confidence after he scored the winner in the last game. Nelson Semedo should keep his place on the right side of the defence.
Midfield
Sergio Busquets only came on as a substitute in the last game, so we expect him to start in the deepest role in midfield in this clash. He should be partnered by the South American duo of Arturo Vidal and Arthur Melo. With a big Champions League clash looming, Ivan Rakitic could be given a breather in this midweek tie.
Attack
We expect Philippe Coutinho to get the nod ahead of Ousmane Dembele to start down the left. The Brazilian will often look to come inside and influence play from central areas instead of playing as an outright winger. With 45 goals to his name already this season, there is no one else to look beyond Lionel Messi to start on the right flank. Luis Suarez is expected to lead the line for the away side.
