How will Barcelona line up against Alavés in their next La Liga match? Barça look to make up ground in the title race

As Barcelona prepares to face Deportivo Alavés at home on Sunday afternoon, their focus is firmly set on closing the gap in the La Liga title race. With the Blaugrana sitting seven points behind league leaders, this match is crucial in their quest to regain their standing. After a demanding Champions League group stage journey, the team now has the chance to concentrate solely on domestic matters, with European duties not resuming until March. For Barcelona, this means it’s time to secure vital points in La Liga, and they can’t afford any slip-ups, especially against relegation candidates like Alavés.

Hansi Flick, having had time to recover from a midweek Copa del Rey encounter, will likely field a strong side for this important fixture. While the squad faces a busy schedule, with a Copa del Rey tie against Valencia looming, this match against Alavés offers a prime opportunity to assert their dominance and make up for lost ground in the title race.

Barcelona’s Defensive Setup: Stability and Rotation

One of the key areas for Barcelona in this match will be maintaining defensive stability. With the team coming off a challenging week, Flick will need to ensure that his backline is solid to avoid giving Alavés any chances to pull off an upset. The goalkeeping situation at Barcelona has settled with Wojciech Szczesny now firmly in the starting position. The hope is that the Polish goalkeeper, now with a few games under his belt, will grow in confidence and improve upon some earlier shaky moments. Szczesny’s continued integration into Barcelona’s defensive system is essential for the team’s success.

In front of him, expect a familiar trio of defenders to line up. Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo are likely to start as central defenders, bringing their experience and physicality to the backline. They have formed a solid partnership this season, and with Alavés’ attacking threat unlikely to be overwhelming, they should be able to control the opposition’s forwards. Pau Cubarsí, another integral part of the defense, will join them, while Gerard Martín could be called upon at left-back in place of Alejandro Balde, who may need a rest ahead of the Copa del Rey clash.

Midfield Battle: Frenkie de Jong’s Growing Influence

In the middle of the park, Barcelona’s midfield will be key to dictating the tempo of the game. Frenkie de Jong’s excellent form this season has been hard to ignore, and he is now firmly in contention for a permanent starting role. Although Marc Casadó has emerged as a strong contender, de Jong’s vision and technical prowess make him the preferred choice for the pivotal role in midfield. Expect him to play alongside Casadó, with both players tasked with controlling the ball and ensuring that Barcelona maintains possession throughout the match.

Completing the midfield trio will be two of the club’s most promising talents—Pedri and Gavi. Both players are not only integral to Barcelona’s future but also crucial to their present success. With both having recently signed new contracts, they’ll be eager to showcase their abilities and deliver strong performances for the team. Pedri, in particular, will look to continue his recent form, while Gavi’s tireless work ethic will be needed to disrupt Alavés’ midfield and launch counter-attacks.

Attacking Force: Lewandowski Leads the Line

Up front, Barcelona will likely stick with their most reliable attacking trio. Robert Lewandowski is expected to start as the central striker, bringing his lethal finishing and experience to the team. Despite Barcelona’s struggles at times this season, Lewandowski has remained a consistent threat in front of goal. His ability to link up with his teammates and score in crucial moments will be vital in ensuring that Barcelona comes away with all three points.

Lamine Yamal, one of Barcelona’s breakout stars this season, will continue his impressive campaign on the right wing. His speed and creativity have made him a standout performer, and his connection with Lewandowski has been key to Barcelona’s attacking play. On the opposite wing, Raphinha will bring his flair and ability to stretch the opposition. Although Ferran Torres and Fermín López are also options for Flick, the starting trio of Yamal, Raphinha, and Lewandowski offers the most balance and firepower.

Barcelona’s Form: A Mix of Optimism and Realism

Heading into this match, Barcelona will be feeling a mix of optimism and realism. Their Champions League campaign may be over for the moment, but domestically, they are still in the thick of the title race. This is a match that, on paper, they should win, but the pressure to secure three points will weigh heavily on them. Alavés, while struggling this season, cannot be taken lightly, and Flick will be keen to ensure that his team stays focused and doesn’t underestimate their opponents.

With Real Madrid leading the table and a handful of teams close behind, Barcelona can’t afford to drop points in matches like these. The Blaugrana will need to be at their best, with solid defending, a dominant midfield, and clinical finishing to see off Alavés. Flick’s tactical approach will be scrutinized, and the team’s performance will be critical in building momentum for the rest of the season.

Looking Ahead: A Critical Week for Barcelona

The next few weeks will be crucial for Barcelona, and this match is just one step in what will be a challenging journey. With Copa del Rey commitments also on the horizon, Flick will need to manage his squad carefully. The victory over Alavés, if achieved, will give the team the confidence they need to approach their upcoming fixtures with more belief.

As the title race heats up, every point matters, and Barcelona will be hoping to capitalize on any slip-ups by Real Madrid or other top contenders. They can ill afford to let their rivals pull further away, and a dominant performance against Alavés will send a strong message to the rest of the league.

Barcelona’s Expected Lineup:

The following is the anticipated lineup for Barcelona in their La Liga clash against Alavés:

• Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny
• Defense: Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín
• Midfield: Marc Casadó, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Gavi
• Attack: Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha

Barcelona’s lineup against Alavés will undoubtedly reflect Hansi Flick’s desire to secure all three points. The team must be at their best to ensure they stay in the title race and avoid dropping valuable points at home.

Conclusion: Barcelona’s Key to Success

As the match approaches, all eyes will be on Barcelona to see if they can rise to the occasion and secure a much-needed victory. With a strong lineup, tactical discipline, and a desire to win, Barcelona has the tools to overcome Alavés and continue their push for the title. If they can manage to close the gap between themselves and Real Madrid, the rest of the season promises to be an exciting and intense race for the La Liga crown.

How do you think Barcelona should line up against Alavés? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!