It has been a challenging week for anyone connected to Barcelona after Xavi’s decision to step down at the club. However, the team still have a job on their hands to secure a Champions League finish this term, meaning maximum points need to be achieved against Alaves this weekend.
La Liga Preview
Barcelona’s title defence already looks to be over this term, with many believing that their primary aim in the second half season is to finish in a Champions League position. They come into this round sitting inside the top four, and only the top two sides in the competition have recorded more victories than the defending champions so far this term.
However, a challenging week for Barcelona was made even worse last Saturday, as they were stunned in the closing stages by Villarreal at the Olympic Stadium. Their home record this season has been a pressing concern throughout the campaign, as they have lost three of their last six. But, on the road, they are unbeaten in ten, winning on five occasions.
This could be a stiff assignment for Barcelona, as Alaves have been showing some excellent form in recent weeks in La Liga. They come into this match sitting eleventh in the standings, and they have won seven of their 22 matches this term. However, it is their recent form that has been the most impressive.
Alaves have picked up victories in each of their last three in the competition, and they are yet to suffer a defeat in their last four. Their winning run was maintained in emphatic fashion last weekend against Almeria, with Samu Omorodion netting twice in a 3-0 win on the road. Alaves were dominant in front of goal, scoring with every shot that they hit the target with.
Alaves vs Barcelona Head to Head
Barcelona have won 13 of their last 16 matches against Alaves across all competitions. That includes victories in each of the previous two. Their most recent win was a 2-1 success in the reverse fixture this term. Meanwhile, Alaves haven’t recorded a success against Barcelona in any competition since an away win in the league in September 2016.
Alaves vs Barcelona Prediction
Alaves come into the weekend in excellent form, but they have constantly come up short in matches against Barcelona. We expect another strong effort by the hosts this weekend, but the preference is for the away side to claim the win with both teams finding the net on at least one occasion.
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