How will Barcelona line up against Alaves?

"Barcelona look to rebound from a bad loss in the Champions League away to Chelsea as they play a second straight La Liga game back at the new Camp Nou against Deportivo Alavés. The Blaugrana need a good performance and three points in convincing fashion after the disaster in midweek, and will be favorites against an Alavés side sitting in mid-table but ready to cause a big upset against a vulnerable Barça."

"The backline could see the bulk of the changes after an awful defensive performance in London, and Flick might finally give Andreas Christensen a chance to start in this one, possibly alongside Eric Garcia to give Pau Cubarsí a rest and keep Ronald Araujo away from the limelight for a bit. Gerard Martín could start at left-back to replace Alejandro Balde, and Jules Kounde will likely stay at right-back despite not playing well at all this season."

"Barça got some bad news from training in the week as Fermín López will miss a couple of weeks with a calf issue, but there's some great news as Pedri is expected back in the squad after a month away with a hamstring injury. We don't expect The Wizard back as a starter just yet, which would mean a double pivot of Marc Casadó and Frenkie de Jong with Dani Olmo in the number 10 role for this one."

Barcelona aim to rebound from a heavy Champions League loss at Chelsea with a home LaLiga fixture against Deportivo Alavés at the new Camp Nou. The team needs a convincing performance and three points after the midweek disaster. Rotation is likely because they played the final 45 minutes with 10 men and have a major game against Atlético Madrid next week. The backline could be reshuffled with Andreas Christensen and Eric Garcia given opportunities, Gerard Martín considered at left-back, and Jules Koundé likely to remain at right-back. Pedri returns to the squad but is unlikely to start. Fermín López will miss a couple of weeks with a calf issue. A double pivot of Marc Casadó and Frenkie de Jong with Dani Olmo at number 10 is probable, while Robert Lewandowski is expected to lead the attack and Marcus Rashford may start on the left.

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