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How Barcelona could line up against Alaves

sportsmole.co.uk, 10 November 2023, 15:17
Barcelona boss Xavi will make changes to his starting side for Sunday's La Liga clash with Alaves.

The Catalan outfit will enter the match off the back of a disappointing result in the Champions League, losing 1-0 to Shakhtar Donetsk, with the result costing them the chance to book their spot in the knockout round of the competition with two games to spare.

Gavi is suspended this weekend due to the milestone yellow card that he picked up during the team's 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in the league last time out.

Sergi Roberto is still out with a calf problem, meanwhile, and Frenkie de Jong is unlikely to be risked, with the Netherlands international finding it difficult to fully recover from an ankle issue.

There will be changes to the side that started in Europe, with Joao Felix set to return in the final third, which is expected to lead to Ferran Torres dropping out.

Fermin Lopez could also be back in midfield, with Pedri's fitness being managed, having only just recovered from a thigh issue, while Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde should return to the defence.

There had been some concern over the fitness of Ronald Araujo due to a problem that he picked up against Shakhtar, but the Uruguay international is fit to start on Sunday.

Barcelona possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Cancelo, Araujo, Kounde, Balde; Gundogan, Romeu, Fermin; Raphinha, Lewandowski, Felix

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