Raphinha, Olmo start in a 4-2-3-1 – How Barcelona can line up against Alaves | OneFootball

FC Barcelona will play their second game at the renovated Spotify Camp Nou later today when they take on Deportivo Alaves on Matchday 14 of La Liga.

Having fallen to a defeat in the UEFA Champions League against Chelsea earlier in the week, Hansi Flick & co. will be gunning to return to winning ways.

Moreover, a victory today would send Barcelona clear of Real Madrid and to the top of the La Liga table, with the Merengues scheduled to play late on Sunday.

Ahead of the game at Camp Nou, the Catalans have been boosted by the return of key midfielder Pedri, who is back after a month out due to a hamstring injury.

However, Ronald Araujo (stomach bug) and Fermin Lopez (muscle injury) are fresh absentees for Flick. Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Gavi also remain unavailable for the reigning champions.

One can expect Flick to make a few changes to the team that started at Stamford Bridge, and here is how Barcelona can line up against Alaves later today.

Defence

Jules Kounde will continue in the right-back position for Barcelona, but the Frenchman needs to step up after having been highly inconsistent this season. On the left side, Alejandro Balde is a permanent fixture and will be key with his attacking forays.

Pau Cubarsi is a guaranteed starter for Barça game after game and that is unlikely to change against Alaves.

As for his partner, even though Andreas Christensen and Gerard Martin are options, it is expected that Eric Garcia will be the one to start, moving back into his natural position at centre-back after playing as a pivot midfielder in the last two matches.

Joan Garcia is the undisputed starter in goal for the Catalans and will be hoping to keep a clean sheet after letting in three against Chelsea.

Midfield

Casado to get a rare start vs Alaves. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Even though Pedri is back, it is ruled out that he will be thrown into the starting XI right away, with the plan being for him to get some minutes off the bench later on.

Frenkie de Jong, for one, is a guaranteed starter, although he must put up a much-improved performance after being run over in the game against Chelsea.

With Eric Garcia moving to defence, it should pave the way for Marc Casado to get a rare start for Barcelona, having lost prominence in Hansi Flick’s plans this season.

Meanwhile, Dani Olmo becomes the obvious pick in the No. 10 role for Barcelona with Fermin Lopez out with injury. The 27-year-old playmaker has had a stop-start campaign so far and will be keen on getting things back on track.

Attack

Raphinha has been fit for the past couple of weeks and has had minutes in the last two matches, which should allow him to return to the starting XI today against Alaves.

Even though he could be an option to play in the No. 10 role, which would allow the manager to accommodate Marcus Rashford in the team as well, the Brazilian is expected to slot in as the left-winger for Barcelona.

As for the right flank, there is no looking past superstar winger Lamine Yamal, who will be eager to bounce back after a quiet game against Chelsea.

Robert Lewandowski will spearhead the attack for Barcelona, meaning Flick fields his gala attacking unit in a starting XI for the first time this season.