Barca look for three points away from home against Alaves

FC Barcelona are set to play Alaves on Saturday in the La Liga as they look for three points. Barca played Real Betis last Sunday and got three points, kick starting their 2017/18 La Liga season.

Kick-off : 6:15 PM (Local)

Venue : Mendizorroza, Vitoria-Gasteiz

Ernesto Valverde’s side will look to make it two in two in La Liga when they travel to the Basque Country to face Alaves on Saturday.

With off-field issues like Neymar’s departure and acquiring transfer targets, Barcelona now look to make their fans happy by winning games in La Liga.

Clearly a convincing victory is needed against Alaves at such an early stage in the La Liga. This will also set them up for the next game, which is a local derby against Espanyol.

Their are some fitness issues as well in the Barcelona camp as players are out injured. They will need to address that quickly.

Team news and possible line-ups

Victor Lagaurdia and Einar Galilea will not be available for Alaves on Saturday.

Last season when Alaves defeated Barcelona at Camp Nou, Ibai Gomez and Deyverson scored. Out of the two, Deyverson only will not be featuring in Saturday’s game as he has left the club for Palmeiras.

As for Barca, Luis Suarez will not be available as he has been ruled out for up to five weeks with a knee injury.

Andres Iniesta might be available for Saturday’s game, though Rafinha will be out.

The front three should be the same as in last game, with Messi featuring alongside Deulofeu and Alcacer.

Alaves XI : Pacheco, Alexis, Ely, Vigaray, Wakaso, Garcia, Ibai, Pedraza, Burgui, Santos, Sobrino.

Barcelona XI : Ter Stegen, Semedo, Umtiti, Alba, Mascherano, Rakitic, Busquets, Sergi Roberto, Alcacer, Deulofeu, Messi.

Prediction

I think Barca are clearly the favorites but Alaves beat them last season. So it should be a close game but still I predict Barca to emerge 3-1 victors.