Alavesvs.Barcelona

Toni Martinez was preferred through the middle in the 2-0 defeat to Getafe last time out, and the Spaniard is likely to continue as the centre-forward, having scored twice this season.

Kike Garcia also has two goals in La Liga this term, and a role in the final third of the field cannot be ruled out, but it seems most likely that he will be among the substitutes for the first whistle.

Head coach Luis Garcia is unlikely to disturb his 4-2-3-1 formation for the visit of Barcelona, meaning that Carlos Vicente, who has also scored twice in the league this season, should feature off the right.

Carlos Martin is the favourite to operate down the left despite the competition for spots in that area of the field, while Stoichkov is set to continue as the number 10 for the home side.

Joan Jordan will be another certain starter, with the Spaniard in line for a midfield role, leaving Antonio Blanco on the bench.

Asier Villalibre is another player who will be in the manager's thinking when it comes to potential changes, but there are not expected to be any real surprises in the XI this weekend.

Alaves only have one injury concern for the clash, with Hugo Novoa a doubt due to a muscular issue.

Alaves possible starting lineup: Sivera; Tenaglia, Abqar, Sedlar, Diarra; Jordan, Benavidez; Vicente, Stoichkov, Martin; T Martinez