Barcelonavs.Alaves

The experienced striker has scored six times in his previous three appearances against Alaves, including a hat trick in the reverse game earlier this season.

The 36-year-old has 29 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions this term, meanwhile, and there is no question that Alaves will be wary of the Poland international during this weekend's La Liga contest.

Marc Bernal and Marc-Andre ter Stegen remain long-term absentees with serious knee injuries, while Andreas Christensen is unavailable for selection due to a muscular problem which will keep him out until the middle of February.

Both Inigo Martinez and Dani Olmo are in the latter stages of their recoveries from injury problems, and neither have been officially ruled out of this match, but it is more likely that the duo will return against Valencia in the Copa del Rey next week.

Wojciech Szczesny is expected to keep his spot between the sticks, but there will be changes from the side that took to the field for the first whistle against Atalanta BC in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Indeed, Pau Cubarsi is set to return in the middle of the defence, with Eric Garcia likely to drop out, while there should be a spot in the middle of midfield for Marc Casado, which is expected to lead to Frenkie de Jong dropping down to the bench.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Szczesny; Kounde, Araujo, Cubarsi, Balde; Casado, Pedri; Yamal, Gavi, Raphinha; Lewandowski

Written by

Matt Law