How will Barcelona line up against Alaves?

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Ronald Koeman’s side are at Mendizorrotza on Saturday

Barcelona return to La Liga action on Saturday with a trip to Alaves to face Pablo Machín’s side.

The visitors need a win after consecutive league defeats but head to the Basque Country after a morale-boosting Champions League victory over Juventus.

Let’s look at how Ronald Koeman might line his team up:

Defence

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Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Samuel Umtiti made a welcome return to training on Thursday, but it’s expected the game will come too soon for either to make a return.

Ronald Araujo is also out after picking up a hamstring problem against Juventus and is unlikely to be fit again until after the international break.

All of which means there are likely to be few changes in defence. Gerard Pique is back from suspension, while Sergino Dest could come back in at right-back.

Midfield

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Frenkie de Jong should head back into midfield after being forced to play the second half against Juventus in the backline because of Araujo’s injury.

Meanwhile, Miralem Pjanic and Sergio Busquets will be battling for the spot alongside the Dutchman. Busquets dropped out of the starting XI against Juventus but could return.

Attack

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There’s still no Philippe Coutinho for Barcelona but all Ronald Koeman’s other attackers are fit and available which gives the coach plenty of options.

Lionel Messi has played every single minute for club and country so far and could be due a rest, while Ansu Fati could return after starting the Juventus clash on the bench.

Pedri and Ousmane Dembele may also continue from the start after good performances against Juve, while Antoine Griezmann will be hoping to keep his place.

Possible XI: Neto; Dest, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Pjanic, De Jong; Dembele, Griezmann, Pedri; Ansu.

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

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