Barcelona Set to Clash with Alaves: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Barcelona return to action as they welcome Alavés to Camp Nou, in a fixture where the Catalan giants will be eager to secure victory and maintain pressure on Real Madrid.
Hansi Flick's team are still recovering from their devastating midweek performance that saw them suffer a crushing 3–0 defeat to Chelsea last Tuesday. The encounter at Stamford Bridge exposed the concerning problems that have troubled Barcelona during the early stages of this campaign.
Securing a fourth consecutive La Liga victory would significantly help restore confidence and lift the spirits of a bruised squad. While Barcelona may be well below the standards they displayed last season, Flick remains optimistic that his team can reverse their fortunes. A triumph over Alavés would allow them to leapfrog Real Madrid at the summit of La Liga, with Xabi Alonso's team scheduled to play on Sunday.
Alavés sit merely four points above the drop zone and arrive at Camp Nou following back-to-back losses. Eduardo Coudet's squad have endured a mediocre beginning to the season, with Alavés managing only two away victories at Barcelona since 2000, their most recent success occurring in 2016.
Any result other than a convincing win on Saturday will only amplify the concerns surrounding the Catalans.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of Barcelona vs. Alavés.
What Time Does Barcelona vs. Deportivo Alaves Kick-Off?
Barcelona vs. Deportivo Alaves Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Barcelona | Deportivo Alavés |
|---|---|
Chelsea 3–0 Barcelona - 25/11/25 | Alavés 0–1 Celta Vigo - 22/11/25 |
Barcelona 4–0 Athletic Club - 22/11/25 | Girona 1–0 Alavés - 08/11/25 |
Celta Vigo 2–4 Barcelona - 09/11/25 | Alavés 2–1 Espanyol - 02/11/25 |
Club Brugge 3–3 Barcelona - 05/11/25 | CD Getxo 0–7 Alavés - 30/10/25 |
Barcelona 3–1 Elche - 02/11/25 | Rayo Vallecano 1–0 Alavés - 26/10/25 |
How to Watch Barcelona vs. Deportivo Alaves on TV
Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | ESPN Select, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes |
United Kingdom | Premier Sports Player, La Liga TV |
Canada | TSN+, TSN 2 |
Mexico | Sky Sports, Sky+ |
Barcelona Team News
Raphinha is expected to earn his first starting berth since Sept. 25. After a series of substitute appearances, Barcelona urgently require the Brazilian to provide an attacking spark.
However, fitness concerns continue to plague Flick's squad. Pedri remains unavailable and now Fermín López has also joined the treatment room with a muscle problem that will sideline him for a fortnight.
Marc Casadó is likely to step in for Pedri while Dani Olmo, who desperately needs an impressive display, appears set to fill López's position. Positively, Frenkie de Jong will feature after missing last weekend's Camp Nou fixture due to suspension.
Ronald Araújo delivered another disappointing big-match showing against Chelsea while battling a stomach ailment. La Masía prospect Gerard Martín might earn his second consecutive league start at center-back, taking the place of the error-prone Uruguayan.
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Alaves
Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Alavés (4-2-3-1): García; García, Cubarsí, Martín, Balde; De Jong, Casadó; Yamal, Olmo, Raphinha; Lewandowski.
Alaves Team News
There's a considerable talent disparity that Alavés will attempt to overcome through unified team play.
Former Barcelona midfielders Denis Suárez and Carles Aleñá will have additional incentive to help Alavés achieve an unlikely victory against the defending champions. Ex-Real Madrid forward Mariano Díaz might also seek to repeat his previous success against Barça, although he'll probably begin as a substitute.
Coudet has maintained a consistent starting eleven throughout recent weeks and appears ready to continue this approach. Whatever the formation, goalkeeper Antonio Sivera should prepare for an active evening against Barça's potent offensive unit.
Alaves Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona
Deportivo Alavés predicted lineup vs. Barcelona (4-4-2): Sivera; Otto, Tenaglia, Parada, Enríquez; Vicente, Blanco, Suárez, Aleñá; Boye, Martínez.
Barcelona vs. Alaves Score Prediction
The home side will be determined to forget their midweek Stamford Bridge nightmare with a commanding display against inferior opposition.
Following their failure to find the net for the first time in 53 matches, Barça's talented forward line will be anxious to begin a new scoring run. While Barcelona's defensive play has been worryingly fragile, meeting La Liga's third-lowest scoring team should provide an ideal chance to regain momentum.
Barcelona will probably control proceedings from kickoff and secure a comfortable triumph, finishing Saturday at the La Liga summit.