Barcelona are bidding to bounce back from a loss in El Clásico last weekend. They play host to Alavés in La Liga on Saturday at Camp Nou.

Fresh Defensive Problems for Barcelona

Having made a stunning start to the season, Barcelona have been dealt two setbacks by defeats to PSG and Real Madrid over the past fortnight. Their selection issues at the back are also mounting, with 19-year-old Xavi Espart the latest defender to pick up an injury.

Andreas Christensen, Roony Bardghji and Dani Olmo are also sidelined, while Eric García is rated doubtful. In better news for the hosts, Jules Koundé is nearing full fitness and could return to make just his fourth start of the campaign at right-back.

Raphinha will continue up front. The Brazilian has scored 13 times in nine league outings this term. He should have the pace to get beyond visiting centre-back Ville Koski.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Alavés (4-2-3-1): J. García; Koundé, Cubarsí, Martín, Cancelo; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Fermín, Gordon; Raphinha.

Alavés Looking for Boyé to Fire Again

Given the difficulty of this fixture, Alavés could opt to start with five defenders. That should mean Nicolás Valentini completes a central defensive trio, along with Koski and Nahuel Tenaglia.

Lucas Boyé will offer the main threat up front. The 30-year-old has scored five goals in nine appearances in La Liga 2026/27. He’s also averaging 2.6 shots and 2.4 aerial challenges won per game.

There are no fresh selection issues for the visitors, but Mikel Rodríguez and Facundo Garcés remain sidelined through injury. Abde Rebbach, who has been booked three times in 10 league outings, will be tasked with trying to stop Barça winger Lamine Yamal.

Alavés predicted lineup vs Barcelona (5-3-2): Sivera; Novoa, Tenaglia, Koski, Valentini, Rebbach; Pérez, Blanco, Ibáñez; Boyé, Mañas.

Barcelona vs Alavés Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Over 2.5 goals
  • Odds: 1.265 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: Barcelona 3-1 Alavés
  • 22Bet Booking Code: DMJC9

Key stats:

  • Each of Barça’s last 11 competitive games has finished with at least three goals.
  • League fixtures involving the Catalan giants this season are averaging 5.10 goals per 90 minutes.
  • Four of the previous six meetings between these clubs in Barcelona have produced three or more goals.

With Barcelona short on defensive options, they have looked vulnerable at the back in recent weeks, conceding eight times across their past three fixtures in all competitions. However, they remain a huge threat going forward. Hansi Flick’s side are averaging four goals scored per game in La Liga.

Only an outstanding rearguard effort from Alavés could prevent this encounter from delivering several goals. However, they’ve kept just one clean sheet in seven outings, which makes that unlikely. Backing over 2.5 goals is a safe strategy at 1.265.

Barcelona vs Alavés Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Barcelona to win & Both teams to score
  • Odds: 2.15 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 5S4C9

Alavés have scored once on five of their previous six visits to Barcelona. However, they’ve only collected one point across that period.

Eight of the past nine competitive fixtures involving Flick’s team have seen both teams score. Given those trends, the favourites offer value to win a contest featuring goals for each side at 2.15.

Verdict: Over 2.5 goals (1.265) — Barcelona 3-1 Alavés.