Barcelona aim to respond against Alaves after El Clasico defeat

Barcelona will look to recover from their 2-1 defeat by Real Madrid when they face Alaves in their next La Liga match at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

The result ended Barcelona’s excellent start under Hansi Flick, having won nine of their opening 10 league matches. They remain top of the table on 27 points and can strengthen their position with victory against Alaves.

Barcelona’s squad has been affected by several injuries. Xavi Espartis is expected to be sidelined for seven weeks, while Dani Olmo has an adductor problem, Roony Bardghji is recovering from a knee injury and Eric Garcia has a thigh issue.

Jules Kounde, who is suffering from an ankle injury, and Andreas Christensen, who has a thigh problem, are also unavailable for the hosts.

Facundo Garces and Mikel Rodriguez are both ruled out for Alaves because of knee injuries.

Confirmed line-ups

Barcelona’s starting XI is: J Garcia; Cancelo, Cubarsi, Martin, Balde; Fermin, Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Raphinha, Gordon.

Alaves name: Sivera; Perez, Tenaglia, Koski, Valentini, Rebbach; Alena, Blanco, Ibanez; Diaz, Boye.

The match will kick off at 20:00 UK time, with both teams meeting at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

Barcelona have been the more prolific side in front of goal this season, scoring 40 times across their first 10 league games. That gives them an average of four goals per match.

They have conceded 11 goals during that run, leaving them with a goal difference of +29. Alaves have also allowed 11 goals in 10 league matches, matching Barcelona’s defensive record.

However, Alaves have scored only 14 goals so far. Their total is 26 fewer than Barcelona’s, highlighting the difference between the two teams’ attacking records before the fixture.

Barcelona also have the stronger historical record in this meeting. They have won 36 of the 51 games between the sides in all competitions and go into the match as favourites.