Match Preview: Alaves vs Barcelona

Kick Off 5:15pm

Alaves

After a disappointing opening day defeat at the hands of Leganes, things aren’t getting any easier for Alaves.
There are no new injury concerns ahead of the weekend, with not too many changes expected to be made.
Hector should feature at left-back instead of Alfonso Pedraza, with Tomas Pina expected to get a start in central midfield. Oscar Romero could come in too after impressing off the bench.

Barcelona

Gerard Pique and Andres Iniesta should both be fit enough to return to the fold this weekend.
Javier Mascherano should drop out at centre-back, with Nelson Semedo continuing at right-back after doing brilliantly on his debut.
Sergi Roberto is expected to retain his place in the side regardless, with Paco Alcacer not included after an anonymous showing versus Real Betis.

Barcelona have won their last 8 matches (La Liga).	Barcelona win1.29
Barcelona have kept a clean sheet in their last 5 away matches against Alaves in all competitions.	Barcelona win or draw1.07
Barcelona have scored at least 2 goals in their last 8matches (La Liga).	Over 2.5 goals1.57
Alaves have seen over 2.5 goals in their last 6 matches against Barcelona in all competitions.	Over 2.5 goals1.57
Barcelona have won 7 of their last 8 matches against Alaves in all competitions.	Barcelona win1.29
Barcelona have scored at least 3 goals in 5 of their last 6 matches against Alaves in all competitions.	Over 2.5 goals1.57
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 7 of Barcelona‘s last 8 away games (La Liga).

Alaves last met Barcelona back in last season’s Copa del Rey final, where they were narrowly beaten, but the hosts have lost important players since then.
The hosts will be forgetting what it feels like to win, having failed to manage it in their last four friendly and one competitive match.
Barcelona settled their nerves with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Betis on the opening weekend, and Lionel Messi will be keen to set the record straight after hitting the woodwork three times in that clash.

Prediction:

Alaves

Barcelona