Deportivo Alaves Takes On Barcelona: Key Matchup Breakdown, Bold Predictions, and Expected Lineups

The 2025–26 La Liga title holders return to the pitch on Wednesday evening as Deportivo Alavés prepare to receive Barcelona with a guard of honor at the Estadio de Mendizorroza.

Barcelona arrive in the Basque region still riding high after a commanding 2–0 victory in El Clásico secured their 29th La Liga crown on Sunday. Hansi Flick's squad have been the standout team in Spain this campaign and couldn't have asked for a more fitting finale than beating Real Madrid to seal consecutive league titles.

However, the Catalans still have three fixtures left this season and have a chance to reach 100 points. First up is relegation-battling Alavés. Quique Sánchez Flores's men currently sit in the drop zone, but a shock result against Barça could potentially lift them as high as 13th in the standings given how tight the table is.

It's a crucial match for the home side, but Flick will no doubt have his players primed for what promises to be a compelling encounter.

Deportivo Alavés vs. Barcelona Score Prediction

Champions Keep The Good Times Rolling

Alavés undeniably have more at stake in Wednesday's encounter, yet the gulf in class between the two sides is simply too significant to overlook.

Even in the absence of Lamine Yamal, Barcelona have barely skipped a beat in recent weeks and keep racking up victories with ease. Sure, the title celebrations may have disrupted Barça's build-up to Wednesday's match, but they've been in outstanding form lately and team spirit is sky-high.

It may be a tighter affair than under normal conditions, but Barcelona still represent far too great a challenge for the struggling Alavés side.

Prediction: Deportivo Alavés 0–2 Barcelona

Deportivo Alavés Predicted Lineup vs. Barcelona

Facundo Garcés remains banned and will not feature again this term, while forward Lucas Boyé is the only confirmed absentee through injury.

Toni Martínez, who has netted seven goals in his last seven outings, was forced off early with a suspected injury at the weekend. Nevertheless, given the significance of the match, he is anticipated to start in the XI.

Midfielder Jon Guridi is also a fitness concern, though there is optimism he could contribute, even if only as a substitute off the bench.

La Masia product Carles Aleñá returns from suspension and could line up against his former club, though his starting berth may be taken by fellow ex-Barça man Denis Suárez.

Alavés predicted lineup vs. Barcelona (5-3-2): Sivera; Pérez, Otto, Tenaglia, Parada, Rebbach; Ibáñez, Blanco, Suárez; Martínez, Diabate.

Barcelona Predicted Lineup vs. Deportivo Alavés

Only Flick knows the extent of his rotation plans, but changes are anticipated now that the league title is safely secured in Barcelona's cabinet.

Both Alejandro Balde and Jules Koundé have dropped out of the starting lineup in recent months, but the fullback pair could earn starting spots here. Flick's midfield base looks set to remain the same, with Gavi continuing to play a key role since his return from injury.

Raphinha could be handed his first start after recovering from a hamstring problem that kept him out for more than a month. However, with Marcus Rashford putting in a string of strong displays on the right flank recently, the Brazilian is expected to reclaim his customary position on the left wing.

Robert Lewandowski will spearhead the attack as he approaches what are likely to be the final three appearances of his Barcelona career.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs. Alavés (4-2-3-1): J. García; Koundé, Cubarsí, Martín, Balde; Gavi, Pedri; Rashford, Olmo, Raphinha, Lewandowski.

What Time Does Deportivo Alavés vs. Barcelona Kick Off?

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