Alaves vs Barcelona: Expected Starting XI for midweek clash

The Catalans have a chance to extend their lead in the league to 12 points with a win over Alaves.

Barcelona are on course for an unprecedented third European treble — no other side has managed two nevermind three — as they have a nine-point lead in the league, are due to face Valencia in the Copa del Rey final and have an upcoming two-legged tie against Liverpool in the Champions League semi-finals. Just two more wins will guarantee them the league title and they can achieve that at the weekend, which would allow them to focus on the other competitions

Ernesto Valverde’s methods have divided the fanbase due to his perceived cautiousness and the humiliation in Rome last season, but he appears to have learnt from that based on their current situation. However, there are still a few season-defining matches left as Barcelona are desperate to win the Champions League — a competition in which they are favourites — and are looking to win a fifth straight Copa del Rey title.

Expected Starting XI (4-3-3)

Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Nelson Semedo, Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet, Jordi Alba

Arturo Vidal, Sergio Busquets, Arthur Melo

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho

Alaves are a notoriously hard team to break down even though they are on a poor run of form currently, with just one win in the last seven matches. 11 goals conceded in the last five matches has hurt their previously impressive defensive record, but it is still the joint-ninth best in the league. Barcelona will have to be patient to create openings in their compact defensive shape similar to the previous match against Real Sociedad.

Valverde’s decision to rest Ivan Rakitic provides an opportunity for another midfielder to feature, although Valverde is likely to go with the experienced Vidal rather than Carles Alena due to this being an away match, while the youngster could start against Levante at the weekend.

Coutinho for Ousmane Dembele is the only other likely change from the Sociedad match, as Valverde will want to keep the Brazilian fresh for the match against his former side in the Champions League after a top quality performance against Manchester United.