FC Barcelona hosts Deportivo Alavés at Spotify Camp Nou, unleashing a heavily rotated attack-heavy lineup.
The Blaugrana hold a flawless home record—18 points from six matches, averaging nearly three goals per game—making this the ideal stage to rebound and prove title credentials amid defensive questions raised midweek.
Alaves sit 14th with two wins in nine outings, third in defensive solidity but averaging just 0.85 goals offensively; their last Camp Nou success dates back nearly a decade under a different regime.
Injuries sideline Ronald Araujo, Fermin Lopez, Gavi, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, testing Hansi Flick’s depth, but Raphinha’s return could reunite a lethal front three for the first time this season, boosting high press and transitions in the electric fortress atmosphere, as reported by SI.
The anticipated 4-2-3-1 starts Joan Garcia in goal, seeking a second straight La Liga shutout post-Chelsea.
Jules Koundé mans right-back, Pau Cubarsí and Eric Garcia anchor centre-back amid squad flux, and Alejandro Balde overlaps left.
Frenkie de Jong captains the midfield pivot with Marc Casadó, compensating for Pedri’s ongoing absence and providing tempo control.
Forward line dazzles: Lamine Yamal terrorises right wing despite Chelsea battles, Dani Olmo slots No. 10 needing contributions since September, Raphinha electrifies left—his September absence hampered pressing.
Robert Lewandowski spearheads, sizzling with four goals in two league games to breach Alaves’ backline.
Flick’s reshaped Barcelona lineup carries high expectations into the Camp Nou cauldron, where a convincing victory over Alaves could catapult the Blaugrana atop La Liga and silence Chelsea doubters.
With Raphinha’s pressing revival, Lewandowski’s scoring surge, and Yamal’s flair overwhelming Alaves’ stubborn defense, this clash tilts heavily toward a Blaugrana rout—extending their 16-match unbeaten streak against the Basque side while restoring momentum for the title grind.
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