Barcelona Face Alaves: Key Matchup Breakdown, Bold Predictions, and Expected Lineups

Barcelona enter Saturday's La Liga clash against Deportivo Alavés having suffered their first stumble of the 2026–27 campaign.

La Blaugrana had made a record-matching start to the La Liga season, but their rhythm was interrupted by reigning Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain in Europe ahead of El Clásico.

Many believed that Hansi Flick's squad had the opportunity to effectively end Real Madrid's title hopes at a remarkably early stage. A win last weekend would have stretched the gap between the two sides to nine points, but José Mourinho came back to Camp Nou to inflict misery on Barça. The home side were underwhelming and rightfully defeated, breathing new life into the title race.

Back-to-back losses mean Flick's men are in recovery mode, and a favorable fixture presents itself. Alavés' seventh-place position in La Liga might hint at a challenging home test for Barça, but the visiting side are in a deeply troubled run of form.

Alavés have gone six games without a win, with their most recent victory coming on Sept. 6.

Barcelona vs. Alavés Score Prediction

Barça Recover From Tough Week

Flick has navigated setbacks throughout his time at Barcelona, and he'll be eager to ensure that the team's first rough patch of the season doesn't spiral into a prolonged slump, given the demanding schedule ahead before the international break.

Saturday's hosts were beaten by top-tier opposition, so there's little cause for alarm. The La Liga title race may simply be more competitive than many anticipated a few weeks back, when Flick's side seemed untouchable.

Alavés sit where they do in the standings for good reason, despite their recent poor form. They are a stubborn side to break down, and Barça may not have things entirely their own way for the full 90 minutes. They'll need to grind out three points while shaking off any lingering doubts.

Prediction: Barcelona 2–1 Alavés

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Alavés

With matches against Aston Villa and Atlético Madrid on the horizon, Flick is expected to make significant changes to his starting eleven despite Barcelona having had the week off.

Rising talent Xavi Espart is the latest addition to the injury list, with the youngster facing an extended absence after going off early in last week's Clásico. Jules Koundé has yet to return to training and will be unavailable on Saturday, while Eric García may also sit out once more.

With defensive options limited, Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín are expected to continue as a pairing. Flick will be hoping to have Andreas Christensen fit in the near future.

Further up the pitch, Frenkie de Jong could earn his first start of the season, while Gavi and Marc Bernal are set to give Rodri and Fermín López a rest. Gabriel Jesus is capable of spearheading the attack, with Karim Adeyemi also likely to start on the left flank.

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Alavés (4-2-3-1): J. García; Cancelo, Cubarsí, Martín, Balde; Bernal, De Jong; Yamal, Gavi, Adeyemi; Jesus.

Alavés Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona

The away side have two players already sidelined for the remainder of the season due to serious knee injuries, with Facundo Garcés and Mikel Rodríguez the unfortunate pair affected.

La Masia product Carles Aleñá will face his former club in midfield, having signed with Alavés in 2025 following a four-year stint at Getafe.

Barcelona will need to keep a close eye on striking duo Lucas Boyé and Mariano Díaz, the latter a former Real Madrid man. The two have combined for eight goals so far this season.

Alavés Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona (3-5-2): Sivera; Tenaglia, Koski, Valentini; Pérez, Ibáñez, Aleñá, Blanco, Rebbach; Boyé, Díaz.

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