After a dominant 7-1 victory over Valencia, FC Barcelona appears to be back on track and will look to continue their resurgence when they host Deportivo Alavés this Sunday. Despite a rough stretch in November, December, and January—dropping crucial points along the way—Barça remain third in La Liga with 42 points, trailing Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid.
FC Barcelona vs Deportivo Alavés Preview
Match: Barcelona vs Alavés
Competition: Laliga 2024/25
Date: 2 Feb 2025
Venue: Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
Time: 13:00 UTC, 8:00 am EST
One thing is clear: Barcelona boast the best attack not just in Spain, but across Europe this season. Their goal-scoring form has been undeniable, yet inconsistency and defensive vulnerabilities have cost them valuable points this season. Now, against 17th-placed Alavés, who sit just one point above the relegation zone, Flick’s side has a golden opportunity to secure another crucial win.
However, Alavés won’t go down without a fight. While they have only one win in their last five league matches—matching Barcelona’s recent form—the visitors will aim to exploit any defensive lapses from the Catalans. That said, history heavily favors Barça, who remain unbeaten against Alavés in their last 10 encounters, winning eight and drawing twice.
With confidence restored after their emphatic win over Valencia, Barcelona must now prove their consistency. Can they tighten up defensively and secure another convincing victory, or will Alavés make life difficult at Catalonia?
Barcelona Team News
Barcelona’s primary goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, is out for most of the season with an ACL injury, alongside Marc Bernal. Dani Olmo and Andreas Christensen are dealing with foot injuries, but Inigo Martinez is back after a thigh injury.
FC Barcelona Predicted lineup vs. Alavés
Barcelona will play in a 4-3-3 formation. Szczesny will be in goal, while Hector Fort, Araujo, Eric Garcia, and Balde will lead the defense. Similarly, Frenkie and Casado will be in the pivot position. Yamal, Pablo Torres, and Raphina as the attacking three, And Lewandowski as the target man upfront.
Alavés Team News
On the Alaves side, goalkeeper Antonio Sivera is out until mid-February due to a broken hand, and they’ll also be without their first-choice center-back Abdel Abqar, who is suspended after accumulating his tenth yellow card. Midfielder Joan Jordan is doubtful due to a muscle injury.
Alavés Predicted lineup vs. Fc Barcelona
Alaves could set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Owono as a goal, with Tenaglia, Mourino, Diarra, and Sanchez in defense; Blanco and Guevara in midfield; Vicente, Guridi, and Conechny playing just behind striker Garcia.
FC Barcelona vs Deportivo Alavés Prediction
FC Barcelona fights to keep their title hopes alive at home, while Alavés looks to pull off an upset.
Prediction: Barcelona 5-1 Alavés
