Predicted Barcelona lineup against Deportivo Alaves

The past 24 hours have been hectic in Barcelona. The 1-0 defeat away to Rayo Vallecano triggered significant repercussions. The board did not hesitate this time around to take the action they have longed for so long and sacked Ronald Koeman a couple of hours after the full-time whistle.

For the tie-being, Sergi Barjuan has been appointed the interim manager, with rumours of Xavi taking over soon enough. He will lead the team into the clash against Alaves on Sunday. The Spaniard has used a 4-3-3 during his brief stint at Barça B so far, and it is likely he will use the same heading into this game.

Barcelona have lost their last two league games. The situation in La Liga is getting worrying, for the Blaugranas cannot afford to lose out on Champions League qualification. Barjuan’s side must look to get all three points on the night as they face the 16th placed team in the league table. Here is how Barcelona could lineup against Deportivo Alaves.

Defence

Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been a shadow of himself over last two seasons. Yet, in this campaign, his drop in form seems more apparent than ever. Against Rayo Vallecano, too, he seemed to go down too easily, much like other games in the past few months. Though the German has been an untouchable figure at the club so far, it is time he started to get worried about his position. He will start on the night, looking to make amends.

Gerard Pique is one of the ‘sacred cows’ in the team that has recently received more scrutiny than ever. The board are said to be fed up with the poor performances of the veterans. Given the thin rope he is treading, he will have to step up his game.

Ronald Araujo’s injury continues to give Eric Garcia opportunities. The Spaniard was the better of the centre-halves at the Vallecas but is yet to make a solid case to be a permanent starter. He will partner Pique on the night.

Oscar Mingueza has seen his role shift completely to right-back despite making his debut for the first team as a central defender. With Sergi Roberto injured and Sergino Dest finding a new niche, the youngster will undoubtedly receive the green light in defence.

Jordi Alba, much like Pique, will have to justify his tag as a senior player. The fourth captain has been amongst the better of the veterans this year. Yet, there is a sentiment that his performances have dropped in quality.

Midfield

Sergio Busquets was directly responsible for the goal that helped Rayo Vallecano take all three points from Barcelona midweek. However, the Spanish captain has been in tremendous form this season and will not let that affect him. He will lead the team from the middle of the park.

Sergi Roberto’s injury indicates that he will surely not be available for selection. That said, Nico Gonzalez will likely get a second successive start. The youngster was Barcelona’s best player in the last game. It would be unjust for him not to receive another opportunity after a splendid display.

Gavi was benched against Rayo Vallecano for Phillipe Coutinho. However, the Brazilian’s performance was a disaster, with nothing productive coming off his 70 odd minutes. Gavi will not only help keep the side cohesive but can make runs behind the lines and threaten to link with the attack.

Forward

Sergino Dest has squandered two clear cut goal scoring chances in as many games. The youngster sent the ball well over the crossbar on both occasions and will be kicking himself. Nevertheless, he has been inspiring in the final third.

Sergio Aguero will likely receive his second successive start, given Ansu Fati’s injury. The Argentine had an impressive full debut but could not finish the few chances he got. Yet, his off the ball movement and runs into the box were vital to Barcelona’s buildup.

Memphis Depay missed the penalty that could have secured a draw for Barcelona but was one of the best players on the pitch apart from that. The Dutchman will be disappointed by Koeman’s departure but will look to return to the scoresheet on Saturday.

Memphis · Aguero · Dest
Gavi · Busquets · Nico
Alba · Eric · Pique · Mingueza
ter Stegen

Substitutes

Riqui Puig was one player completely ostracised by Ronald Koeman. The youngster could finally reap the benefits of his stubborn stance to stay at the club on Saturday with some minutes on the field.

Yusuf Demir came on against Rayo but did not make much of a difference. With Dembele close to returning, the Austrian does not have too many changes coming up in the future. He will have to make the best use of his minutes on Saturday to make a strong case.

Luuk de Jong has been uninspiring in his cameo’s this season. Nevertheless, he could see some action against Alaves if the side are trailing.