After a disappointing draw in the El Clasico against Real Madrid at Nou Camp, Barcelona will turn their attention to Alaves in the league on Saturday.
The Catalan side still at the top of the Spanish Primera Liga table, but are ahead only by goal difference as Real Madrid are right behind them.
The Spanish side have been undefeated in the league in the last six games, having won four and drawn two.
Saturday’s fixture is the last game for Barcelona in 2019, with their next one on January 5, 2020. So they would like to end 2019 with a good result and head into the winter break.
Barcelona Team News
Ousmane Dembele and Arthur are the only two players currently out due to injury for Barcelona.
Sergio Busquets was left out of the game against Madrid, owing to an illness, but he should be ready and fit for this weekend’s game.
Let’s take a look at the possible Barcelona lineup for the game against Alaves.
Predicted Barcelona Lineup vs Alaves
Goalkeeper
Marc-André ter Stegen put on a good performance against Madrid, especially in the first half, as Barcelona’s goal was peppered with shots by Madrid’s attack. He should keep his place in the Barcelona lineup.
Defence
Gerard Pique and Clément Lenglet played the entire game against Madrid and they should keep their places at the heart of the defence.
Jordi Alba, who had only recently returned from injury, also played the entire game; he is most likely going to retain his position at left-back in the Barcelona lineup.
We could see a change at right-back, though, as Nelson Semedo could be replaced by Sergi Roberto. Roberto had played in midfield in place of Busquets, but should return to his preferred role at right-back.
Midfield
Sergio Busquets will most likely return to the Barcelona lineup for the game against Alaves, taking Sergi Roberto’s spot in midfield.
He should join Frenkie de Jong in midfield, while Ivan Rakitic could also retain his place in the middle of the park.
Attack
The trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Antoine Griezmann could not do much damage to a stubborn Real Madrid defence. But, they could be too much to handle for Alaves.
The trio should form the Barcelona attack for the clash against Alaves.
