After a disappointing end to the El Clasico, Barcelona will be keen on returning to winning ways this weekend as they travel to take on Deportivo Alaves. The match schedules for Saturday at the Estadio de Mendizorroza with kickoff at 11 pm.
Ronald Koeman suffered his first 3-1 El Clasico defeat for the Catalans last weekend against rivals Real Madrid. The Catalans are currently 12th on the table while their opponents sit 15th with seven points from their last seven matches.
It marks the fifth season for Alaves in the La Liga since their promotion. Their last season ended with the side 16th on the table with only three points off the relegation side. The side started their new season with four straight defeats. However, two wins and one draw saw the side earn seven points.
Pablo Machin head into the match with good form, especially after taking two wins from their last three matches. It includes a 2-0 win to struggling side Real Vallavoid. The side has a poor record against the Catalans with seven consecutive losses.
Recent news from Camp Nou comes with the resignation of President Josep Maria Bartomeu with the entire board of directors. It has been a rough start of the season, but a 2-0 win against Juventus in the Champions League might be what Koeman needs to come back to winning ways.
Deportivo Alaves vs Barcelona Head to Head
Both sides have 14 games against each other with Alaves with only one win while Barcelona with 13 wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Real Vallavoid 0-2 Alaves
Alaves 0-2 Elche FC
Alaves 0-0 Osasuna
Deportivo 1-0 Athletic Bilbao
Villareal 3-1 Alaves
Away
Juventus 0-2 Barcelona
Barcelona 1-3 Real Madrid
Barcelona 5-1 Ferencvarosi TC
Getafe 1-0 Barcelona
Barcelona 1-1 Sevilla
Deportivo Alaves Team News
Pere Pons looks set to miss out on their clash this weekend due to a foot injury. Rodrigo Ely is also out for selection while recovering from a muscular problem. Lucas Perez looks set to lead the attacking threat for the side.
Barcelona Team News
Injury boosts for the side is the return of Ter Stegen and Umtiti to training ahead of their clash. Ronald Araujo sets to miss out on the clash while suffering from a thigh injury. Despite picking a suspension, Gerrard Pique will receive the green light at the heart of the defence.
Prediction and Odds
The Catalans have a pick in their confidence, especially after their impressive display against Juve.
Barcelona Win
Goals Under 2.5
Home: No Score
