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FC Barcelona vs Alaves: Preview, Betting Tips, Stats & Prediction

FC Barcelona vs Alaves: Preview, Betting Tips, Stats & Prediction
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Ace Football previews the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Deportivo Alaves, and offers the latest betting tips, odds, and team news.

Maximum points are a must as Barcelona look to bounce back from their Copa del Rey defeat in Saturday night’s clash with Alaves at Camp Nou.

Atletico Madrid’s slip-up against Celta Vigo on Monday meant Barcelona closed to within eight points of the table-toppers. They may have played one more match, but it’s still a sign of progress. Even if it’s marginal. Alaves, on the other hand, are in a battle for survival down in 16th-place in the standings.

A home victory is expected, with Barcelona having won 10 of their last 11 games against Alaves in Catalonia across all competitions. They also won 4-1 in the corresponding fixture through Antoine Griezmann, Arturo Vidal, Lionel Messi, and Luis Suarez goals.

FC Barcelona Form & Stats

A six-match winning run ended on Wednesday in a first-leg Copa del Rey semi-final defeat. Barcelona fell 2-0 at the hands of Sevilla with goals from Jules Kounde and Ivan Rakitic. Therefore, unless they can spring another second-leg comeback at Camp Nou, a record 31st Copa del Rey title may prove elusive.

The return leg, however, won’t commence until March. And Ronald Koeman’s side certainly have more pressing issues ahead, with Paris Saint-Germain awaiting the opening leg of their Champions League last-16 tie next week. Cadiz, Elche, and another trip to Sevilla will also come before February ends.

Right-back Sergino Dest and midfielder Miralem Pjanic have reportedly returned to training, though. The duo’s return is a timely boost ahead of a congested run of fixtures. But several first-team regulars remain absent, including the recently injured Ronald Araujo and Martin Braithwaite.

Key Team Stats
  • Won 7 of their last 8 league games against Alaves (D1) and scored 3.1 goals-per-game.
  • Only failed to score in 1 of their last 56 home leage games.
  • Scored at least 2 goals in 8 of their last 10 league games.
  • Lionel Messi has managed 11 goals and 2 assists in only 8 appearances against Alaves.

Alaves Form & Stats

Joselu’s second-half goal against Real Valladolid last weekend, meanwhile, sealed a crucial 1-0 victory. It was Alaves’ first league win since December, ending a barren six-match winless streak, and lifted the club out of the relegation zone.

El Glorioso will be wary of the two-point gap between themselves in 16th and the drop zone, though. Even if the odds are stacked against them, they can’t go to Barcelona braced for a defeat. And given the way Alaves held the Catalan club to a 1-1 draw in their last meeting in October, why should they?

Abelardo Fernandez’s side also have most of their key players available for the trip to Camp Nou. Center-back Victor Laguardia’s return, in particular, is a welcome boost as the visitors look to contain Barca’s threat up front.

Key Team Stats
  • Won only 1 of their last 7 league games (D2 L4).
  • Lost 5 of their 10 away league games (W2 D3).
  • Failed to win their last 5 away league games.
  • Haven’t won 2 league games in a row since November 2019.
  • Abelardo Fernandez has never beaten Barcelona across his coaching career (D1 L6).
  • Joselu has scored 3 goals in his last 6 league games.

Team News

FC Barcelona
Out: Ansu Fati, Gerard Pique, Philippe Coutinho, Sergino Dest, Sergi Roberto,  Ronald Araujo
Doubts: Sergino Dest, Miralem Pjanic.

Alaves
Out: Rodrigo Ely.
Doubts:  N/A.

Predicted Line-up

(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)

Top Goalscorers in La Liga

Head-To-Head Record

Below are some head-to-head stats on each team’s recent form in La Liga.

Match Facts

Betting Tips

More Odds

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