Overview
After a relatively smooth start, Alaves have struggled in recent rounds of La Liga. They have lost three of their last four matches against Espanyol, Real Madrid and most recently Getafe.
Alaves conceded a total of 9 goals in those 4 matches. Currently, coach Luis Garcia's team has dropped to 11th place in the rankings.
Compared to Alaves, Barcelona is rated higher in every aspect. Returning from a surprising defeat to Osasuna last weekend, Blaugrana crushed Young Boys 5-0 in the Champions League group stage. Currently, coach Hansi Flick's team is still leading La Liga with 21 points, 3 points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid (before round 9).
Barcelona have the strongest attack in the league so far with 21 goals in 8 matches. They also scored 6 goals in the first 2 matches of the Champions League group stage.
The trio of Lewandowski (9 goals), Raphinha (6 goals) and Yamal (5 goals) have contributed greatly to turning Flick's team into an extremely fearsome attacking "machine". Notably, the Polish striker has scored 3 goals in the last 2 matches against Alaves.
Not to mention, Barca also completely dominates Alaves in terms of direct confrontation record. The Catalan team is unbeaten in the last 14 matches against Alaves and 12 of them are victories.
Alaves' last win over Barcelona came in 2016 at the Camp Nou, while their last home win against their opponents came in 2001.
Human resources situation
Alaves are almost at their strongest in this match. Hugo Novoa is the only player who is doubtful about playing for the home team.
On the other side of the front line, Barcelona is missing up to 7 players due to injury. Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Dani Olmo and Ronald Araujo are on that list.
Expected lineup:
Alaves: Sivera, Tenaglia, Abqar, Sedlar, Diarra, Benavidez, Jordan, Vicente, Stoichkov, Martin, Martinez.
Barcelona: Pena, Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde, Garcia, Casado, Pedri, Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha.
The match between Alaves and Barcelona takes place at 9:15 p.m. on October 6 (Vietnam time).
