How will Barcelona line up against Alaves?

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Sergi Barjuan will take charge for the game

Barcelona begin life after Ronald Koeman on Saturday when Alaves visit the Camp Nou in La Liga.

B team coach Sergi Barjuan will take charge of the team and will know three points are needed after defeats to Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano.

Barjuan will be without some key players and it will be interesting to see how he lines his team up on Saturday.

Let’s look at who could feature.

Defense

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Barcelona haven’t kept a clean sheet in La Liga since the win over Levante but another one on Saturday would go a long way to helping snatch a crucial three points.

It’s difficult to see Barjuan making too many changes in defense. Ronald Araujo still isn’t ready to return which means Eric Garcia should continue with Gerard Pique.

Sergino Dest could drop back into his usual right-back spot with Jordi Alba featuring on the opposite flank.

Midfield

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There is where it really will get interesting, particularly with Pedri and Frenkie de Jong still sidelined with injury for the Catalan giants.

Nico Gonzalez may have just played his way into the starting line-up after impressing against Rayo, while Gavi will also be hoping to return to the starting XI.

And then there’s Riqui Puig who was spotted in yesterday’s training photos with a massive grin on his face after Koeman’s departure.

The midfielder will be hoping for his first start of the season and is surely a better bet than Philippe Coutinho who struggled yet again in midweek.

Attack

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Barca’s attacking options are pretty limited once again with Ansu Fati unlikely to return for this one. It’s thought he only has a knock but Barca don’t want to take any risks.

Sergio Aguero may therefore have to start once again for Barcelona, while Memphis Depay should also get the nod. Yusuf Demir is also an option after coming on as a substitute against Rayo, although the youngster seemed unwilling to try and take players on.

Ousmane Dembele is being tipped to make the squad for this game after returning to full fitness so we may even get a glimpse of the Frenchman off the bench.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Dest, Pique, Eric, Alba; Busquets, Nico; Gavi, Riqui, Memphis; Aguero.

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

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