How should Barcelona line up against Alaves?

Barcelona head to Alaves on Tuesday in La Liga with Ernesto Valverde’s side hoping to close in on the title with another victory.

The champions beat Alaves 3-0 at the Camp Nou back in August, but Abelardo Fernandez’s side have gone on to have a fine season.

They have wobbled a bit in recent weeks and are on a run of five games without a win in La Liga, so let’s have a look at how Barcelona might line up on Tuesday.

Defence

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It seems unlikely that Ernesto Valverde will make too many changes to his team until the title is finally in the bag.

Sergi Roberto could come in at right-back to give Nelson Semedo a breather, while Samuel Umtiti, Jeison Murillo and Thomas Vermaelen are options at centre-back.

However, it would be no surprise if Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet and Jordi Alba all started at Alaves.

Midfield

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Sergio Busquets was left out of the starting XI for Saturday’s win over Real Sociedad but should be back in from the start.

Arturo Vidal replaced Busquets against Sociedad and had a fine game, he could continue if Valverde decides to give either Ivan Rakitic or Arthur a rest.

Carles Alena seems to be the only other midfielder who has a chance of some game time, but it seems more likely he’ll see minutes at the weekend against Levante.

Attack

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Valverde has decisions to make in attack with regards to who will start between Ousmane Dembele and Philippe Coutinho.

Dembele got the nod against Real Sociedad and picked up another assist for the opening goal. However, he still looks a little way off his best form and in need of minutes.

Coutinho will also want to feature and try to nail down his place in the XI ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final against former team Liverpool.

Possible XI: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Lenglet, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Arthur; Dembele, Messi, Suarez.

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