Frank Christian
On Sunday, Barcelona will face Deportivo Alaves in their last La Liga match before the October international break.
After suffering a surprising 4-2 defeat against Osasuna, Hansi Flick’s team bounced back with an impressive 5-0 victory over Young Boys in the UEFA Champions League, involving two goals from Robert Lewandowski.
Currently, Barcelona is leading the La Liga standings after eight games, sitting three points ahead of the defending champions, Real Madrid, thanks to their prior seven victories before the recent loss.
Alaves ranks 11th in the league with 10 points from their eight matches, but they are dealing with a defensive injury crisis that presents a significant challenge against the league’s highest-scoring team.
Last season, Barcelona defeated Alaves 3-1, with Alaves’ lone goal credited to Samu Omorodion, who recently impressed for Porto against Manchester United. Alaves’ coach, Luis Garcia, faces the task of filling the gap left by Omorodion’s absence.
STREAM: Watch Alaves vs. Barcelona LIVE with ESPN+ (USA)
Alaves vs. Barcelona Squad Updates and Predicted Lineups
Alaves is struggling with multiple defensive injuries, complicating their preparations for the matchup against Barcelona.
Center backs Aleksandar Sedlar and Abdel Abqar suffered muscle injuries during their last match against Getafe and were unable to fully train leading up to the game.
Right-sided player Hugo Novoa is also likely out with an injury, compelling Luis Garcia to adjust his defensive lineup.
Predicted Alaves XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Sivera (GK) — Tenaglia, M. Sanchez, Mourino, Diarra — Jordan, Benavidez — Vicente, Stoichkov, Martin — Martinez
Injured: Novoa, Sedlar (doubt), Abqar (doubt)
Suspended: None
Wojciech Szczesny returned to team training on Friday and might make his debut, although he may be held back for acclimatization ahead of the match against Sevilla on October 20. Inaki Pena is expected to continue in goal.
Inigo Martinez experienced muscle discomfort during the win over Young Boys but seems fit to play on Sunday. Eric Garcia returns after suspension, while Frenkie de Jong could make his first start this season.
Gavi is progressively recovering from a long-term injury, but he’s unlikely to rush back. Meanwhile, Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez are expected to participate after the international break.
Predicted Barcelona XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Pena (GK) — Kounde, Cubarsi, Martinez, Balde — De Jong, Pedri — Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Torres — Lewandowski
Injured: Ter Stegen, Gavi, Bernal, Christensen, Araujo, Olmo, Lopez
Suspended: None
Match Details: Alaves vs. Barcelona
This La Liga encounter will take place at Mendizorroza in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, commencing on Sunday, October 6 at 4:15 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time converts in various time zones:
| Date | Kickoff Time | |
| USA | Sun, Oct. 6 | 10:15 a.m. ET |
| Canada | Sun, Oct. 6 | 10:15 a.m. ET |
| Australia | Mon, Oct. 7 | 12:15 a.m. AEST |
| UK | Sun, Oct. 6 | 3:15 p.m. BST |
| India | Sun, Oct. 6 | 7:30 p.m. IST |
