How will Barcelona line up against Alaves?

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It’s the champions’ final La Liga fixture of 2019

Barcelona are back in action for the final time in 2019 on Saturday when they hosts Alaves at the Camp Nou in La Liga.

Ernesto Valverde’s side can guarantee top spot at Christmas with a victory and will want to return to winning ways after two draws in a row.

Let’s have a look at who might feature:

Defence

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Barcelona have a fully-fit backline to choose from for Saturday’s game, so Valverde must decide whether to go with his strongest team or make changes to freshen it up it a little.

Jean-Clair Todibo and Samuel Umtiti will be hoping for some game time in central defence and could come in if either Gerard Pique or Clement Lenglet need a break.

Nelson Semedo made his first start since coming back from injury against Real Madrid and could continue at right-back, while Jordi Alba should continue on the opposite flank.

Midfield

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Barcelona do have issues in midfield with Arthur still out injured and Sergio Busquets a doubt after missing the Clasico and training on Thursday with a fever.

Ivan Rakitic could continue in the team, while Arturo Vidal will be hoping for a start after coming off the bench against Real Madrid and looking bright.

The other option is for Valverde to hand Carles Alena just his second La Liga start of the season and see if the youngster can add a much-needed spark to the midfield.

Attack

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An attack of Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi looks the most likely option against Alaves on Saturday.

Carles Perez and Ansu Fati are available if Valverde does want to make changes to his frontline who failed to find the back of the net against Real Madrid.

Messi has gone two games without a goal, a drought by GOAT standards, but needs just one more to make it 50 for the calendar year.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Umtiti, Alba; De Jong, Rakitic, Alena; Messi, Suarez, Griezmann.

How do you think Barca should line up against Alaves? Let us know your thoughts, predictions and line-ups in the comments below!

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