Barcelona are aiming to redeem themselves following last weekend’s shock 4-2 defeat to Osasuna in La Liga when they visit Deportivo Alaves on Sunday.

La Blaugrana secured a 5-0 Champions League victory against a woeful Young Boys side to bounce back from last weekend’s surprise defeat but with Clasico rivals Real Madrid hunting them down domestically, Hansi Flick can’t afford any more slip-ups in La Liga.

Alaves finished mid-table last season and find themselves in the centre of the pack again after eight matches. They have won three of their opening fixtures in the league and came close to rescuing an unbelievable point against Real Madrid recently after scoring twice late on in a 3-2 defeat.

Barca’s recent record in this fixture suggests they might extend their lead at the top of La Liga on Sunday afternoon. They have won eight of their last ten meetings with Alaves and haven’t tasted defeat against the Basque outfit since 2016.

Here is 90min’s guide to Barcelona’s final outing before the October international break.

Alaves vs Barcelona H2H Record (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

Right-back Hugo Novoa is a major doubt for Sunday’s clash with Barca and could well miss out, but he appears to be Luis Garcia’s only fitness concern ahead of a tough affair.

Alaves forward Stoichkov earned his nickname after his father met former Barca Ballon d’Or winner Hristo in a bar. He’ll be keen to get on the scoresheet against the Catalan giants.

Alaves predicted lineup vs Barcelona (4-2-3-1): Sivera; Tenaglia, Mourino, Abqar, Sedlar, Diarra; Jordan, Blanco; Vicente, Stoichkov, Martin; T. Martinez.

Barcelona’s injury list is unrelenting and Marc-Andre ter Stegen is joined by Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, Gavi, Marc Bernal, Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo in the treatment room.

Barcelona’s goalkeeper situation has been eased by the free signing of former Arsenal and Juventus stopper Wojciech Szczesny but the Poland international is unlikely to feature at the weekend, with Inaki Pena expected to retain his starting spot.

Frenkie de Jong made his long-awaited comeback against Young Boys, while Inigo Martinez should be fit for the weekend after picking up a minor injury midweek.

Barcelona predicted lineup vs Alaves (4-2-3-1): Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Raphinha, Torres; Lewandowski.

Alaves have proved tricky but inconsistent customers in La Liga this season and offered Real Madrid an almighty scare on matchday six. They have also taken points off Real Sociedad and Real Betis this term and are a well-balanced outfit.

However, fresh from their midweek confidence boost against Young Boys, Barca should have little trouble overcoming the Basque side on Sunday afternoon, with the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in exceptional form in the final third.

Prediction: Alaves 1-3 Barcelona

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