After Real Madrid and PSG — another blow? Barcelona vs Alaves prediction
On October 31, Barcelona will host Alaves in the 11th round of the Spanish top flight. The Catalans remain top of the table, two points clear of Atletico Madrid, but head into the match on the back of two painful defeats. The Basques sit seventh but have not won in six rounds. For both teams, the upcoming game will be a test of their ability to overcome a slump.
Barcelona: the leaders must end their losing streak
Hansi Flick's side have lost two matches in a row for the first time since February. First, the Catalans fell to PSG (2-4) in the Champions League, then they were beaten by Real Madrid (1-2). The defense is particularly concerning: Barcelona have conceded at least twice in each of their last three matches, allowing their opponents to create 14 clear-cut chances.
Injuries have made the situation even more difficult. Xavi Espart is set to miss two months, Jules Kounde is not yet ready to return, while Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia, Dani Olmo and Roony Bardghji remain sidelined. Joao Cancelo and Alejandro Balde are expected to start at full-back.
The main positive factor is the chance to recover. After playing five matches in 15 days, the team were given two days off and a full break before the next round. This should help them regain their pressing intensity and familiar attacking speed.
Alaves: solid defense without a win
Kike Sanchez Flores' side made a strong start to the season, collecting 10 points from their first four rounds. However, their results then deteriorated sharply: six matches without a win, four defeats and just two draws. In the previous round, the Basques failed to beat even the league's bottom side, Malaga (1-1), equalizing only in the 89th minute.
At the same time, the defense remains the visitors' main strength. Alaves have allowed just 11.06 expected goals and 12 clear-cut chances — the best figures in the Spanish top flight. The team have never conceded more than two goals in a match.
The squad situation is relatively stable. Lucas Boye, who has scored five goals, is expected to recover from a minor injury, while Angel Perez returns from suspension. Facundo Garces and Mikel Rodriguez remain injured.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Barcelona have won eight of their last nine home matches against Alaves
- Alaves have gone six rounds without a win, collecting just two points during that run
- The teams have scored fewer than five goals in each of their last eight meetings
Can the Catalans stop the slide: Barcelona vs Alaves prediction
Barcelona are going through a difficult spell, but the extra recovery time should have a positive effect on the team's physical condition. Home advantage and the need to hold on to top spot will provide additional motivation.
Alaves can make life difficult for the favorites with their disciplined defense, but their extended winless run points to problems in front of goal. The Catalans are unlikely to break down the visitors' defense easily, but their attacking potential should be enough to secure a convincing victory.
