Deportivo Alaves Vs Barcelona: Blaugrana Will Go Crazy At Mendizorrotza
JAKARTA - Barcelona will seek to rise from their first defeat in La Liga this season when they travel to the Mendizorrotza Stadium, in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Sunday, September 6. against Alaves. After being humiliated by Osasuna 4-2 last week, Barcelona remained at the top of the standings with 21 points from eight matches. Meanwhile, Alaves occupies the 11th position with 10 points.
Alaves, who finished 10th last season after returning to La Liga, started a new season solid enough. They have collected 10 points from eight matches with a record of three wins, one draw, and four defeats. However, their recent trend of performance is a little worrying after swallowing three defeats in the last four matches, including losing 0-1 to Getafe.
However, Alaves is still optimistic that they will be able to secure a position in La Liga for this season. However, poor records against Barcelona overshadowed them. Alaves have lost their last three league meetings against Barca, and the last time they won over the Blaugrana in La Liga was in September 2016. Big challenge awaits Luis Garcia's men this weekend.
On the other hand, Barcelona are trying to bounce back after a surprising defeat to Osasuna. Despite being hit 4-2 by Osasuna, they managed to respond with a 5-0 win over Young Boys in the Champions League. Under the direction of new coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona recorded an incredible start to the season with seven consecutive wins in La Liga. Despite being hit by an injury, they still lead the standings with 21 points, three points ahead of Real Madrid.
Barcelona is the team with the best attack in La Liga this season, scoring 25 goals from eight games. Robert Lewandowski is a key player with nine goals from 10 appearances. The Blaugrana also have an impressive record against Alaves, winning 24 of their La Liga meetings and being unbeaten in their away game against Alaves since December 2001.
Alaves faced minor injury problems, with Hugo Novoa still doubtful. However, most of their key players are ready to play, including Toni Martinez who is expected to lead the attack line. Carlos Vicente, who has scored two goals this season, is also expected to play on the wing.
Baca juga:
In the Barcelona camp, injury problems continue to haunt. Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, Marc Bernal, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, and Gavi still cannot perform. However, Inigo Martinez has recovered from injury and is ready to play, while Eric Garcia has also returned after missing the Champions League due to suspension.
Szczesny, who just joined, is likely to be on the bench, while Frenkie de Jong, who has just recovered from a long injury, is likely to play as a substitute. Inaki Pena will still keep the Barca goal, given that ter Stegen has not recovered.
Although Alaves will be a fresher team because he doesn't play in Europe, Barcelona have a much superior quality, especially in the front lines. After being hit last week, Hansi Flick's team are expected to win this match.
Alaves:Sivera; Tenaglia, Abqar, Sedlar, Diara; Jordan, Benavidez; Vicente, Stoichkov, Martin; T Martinez
Barcelona: Pena; Kounde, Cubarsi, I Martinez, Balde; Casado, E Garcia, Pedri; Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha